The United Arab Emirates has officially joined the expanding list of international supporters of the $25 billion Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline, strengthening its involvement in major energy infrastructure projects throughout Africa. Leila Benali, Moroccan Minister of Energy, has revealed that the UAE is one of the major contributors to the enormous pipeline development. The Islamic Development Bank (IDB), OPEC Fund, and European Investment Bank (EIB) all support the ambitious initiative.
The gas pipeline is intended to stretch across 15 African countries, with Morocco playing a key role in both hosting and assisting development. According to Minister Benali, Morocco is gradually becoming a regional renewable energy powerhouse, with long-term aspirations of creating green hydrogen derivatives like methanol and ammonia. These fuels are projected to become viable alternatives for international transport, with cost advantages over liquefied natural gas.
Morocco is continuing to diversify its energy sources while investing in indigenous technological capabilities and local supply chains. In April, the nation launched an action plan to build the first phase of a gas terminal in Nador, marking yet another significant step towards energy independence.
The pipeline will run 1,672 kilometres across Morocco, providing a crucial link to European gas markets.
