At the level of the basin Gharbproductive gas deposits despite their small size have been discovered, thanks to the presence of an important network of gas pipelines connecting these deposits to factories located Kenitrawhich is supplied with this gascontinued the minister.
Regarding the basin ofEssaouirashe clarified that the gas productionhaving started in the 1980s, still continues with the “Meskala” concession license, noting that this gas is transported to the mining site of Youssoufia of the’OCP to meet the energy needs of phosphate drying and calcination units.
As for the offshore zone of LaracheMrs Leila Benali assured that studies are continuing to develop this gas fieldparticularly after the completion of geological and geophysical studies, the results of the drilling process having revealed the presence of gas in this area.
Concerning the region of Tendrara (Oriental), she pointed out that ten exploration well were drilled there, noting that the prospecting and processing work revealed the presence of natural gas at two of these wells.
Based on these “encouraging” results, the Tendrara exploitation concession was granted in 2018 to develop this gas fieldargued Ms. Benali, noting that this project aims to supply natural gas the electrical energy production plants of theNational Office of Electricity and Drinking Water (ONEE)immediately after the end of the connection work between the Tendrara production site and the Maghreb-Europe gas pipeline.
Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline: Benali provides new details on the progress of the project
Leila Benali emphasized that the Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline is a catalyst for development and regional economic integration and a lever for interconnection between Africa and Europe. This strategic project will have a capacity of 30 billion cubic meters per year of natural gaswhile the overall investment envelope amounts to 25 billion US dollars, she specified, noting that “between 2022 and 2023, several memorandums of understanding have been signed” to this effect.
Regarding the governance and management of the project, “the project company (SPV – Special Purpose Vehicle), after the feasibility studies, will be responsible for the financing, construction and operation of the gas pipeline“, specified the minister.
The official also indicated that the development of the gas pipeline will go through three phases, the first being that of “Senegal-Mauritania-Morocco”emphasizing, moreover, the role played by natural gas as a key component of Morocco’s energy transition strategy.
The minister also recalled the signing, last March, of a strategic memorandum of understanding between the ministries of the Interior, Economy and Finance, Equipment and Water, and Energy Transition. and Sustainable Development to launch the roadmap ofgas infrastructure.
