The exploration of underground energy resources constitutes a major strategic issue for countries seeking economic independence. Natural gas, a prized energy resource on the world stage, represents considerable development potential. For Morocco, however, this ambition comes up against disappointing realities, marked by a timid pace of exploration and uncertain prospects.
Despite significant investments in the hydrocarbon sector, the Shereef kingdom is struggling to realize its gas ambitions. The figures revealed by the Court of Auditors eloquently illustrate this reality: the density of drilling barely reaches four wells per 10,000 square kilometers, a ratio significantly lower than the world average of 1,000 wells on an equivalent area.
The geography of national exploration paints a complex panorama. Efforts are mainly concentrated in the Gharb and Essaouira basins, leaving vast areas unexplored. A comparison with neighboring countries, notably Mauritania and Senegal, highlights the accumulated delay, particularly in offshore areas.
Investments in the sector reflect this uncertain trajectory. Between 2009 and 2022, some 23.9 billion dirhams were committed, representing an annual average of 1.78 billion. Although this sum reflects an increase compared to the period 2000-2008, it masks a worrying dynamic: a gradual decline since 2014.
The National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines reflects this downward trend. Its own investments fell by 27%, from 59.8 million to 43.6 million dirhams annually. The ambitious objectives set for the 2008-2012 period were only achieved at 14%, confirming the structural difficulties of the sector.
Several factors explain this situation. The lack of significant commercial discoveries is hampering the initial momentum. At the same time, the global transition to renewable energy is reshaping energy strategies, making traditional gas investments less attractive.
Of 374 wells drilled until the end of 2023, only 84 were completed between 2009 and 2023, over a sedimentary area of 761,000 square kilometers. These figures reflect a pace of exploration which questions Morocco’s capacity to transform its underground potential into economic reality.
