A project for ammonia production in Laâyoune moves into the engineering studies phase with American support.
The Laâyoune region is poised to strengthen its position on the map of investments related to green hydrogen, with the launch of a new phase in the preparation of a significant industrial project dedicated to the production of ammonia from renewable energy sources and hydrogen generated through electrolysis.
In this context, the company ORNX Green Hydrogen has entrusted the American group KBR with the task of conducting the preliminary technical design study (Pre-FEED) for its ammonia production project in the Laâyoune region. This phase is intended to prepare for a transition to more advanced stages of the facility’s development.
The project is expected to achieve a production capacity of approximately 560,000 tons of ammonia per year, notably facilitated by an electrolysis unit with a capacity of up to 900 megawatts, aimed at generating the hydrogen required for the industrial process.
KBR will be responsible for providing the necessary licenses and industrial technologies for the project, as well as conducting the Pre-FEED studies to assess the technical, economic, and engineering aspects before moving on to detailed design and execution phases.
This preparatory phase is supported financially by the United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), which is contributing to the funding of the studies necessary for the technical and financial evaluation and preparation of the project.
The project relies on an integrated industrial chain. It begins with the generation of electricity from renewable sources, which will then be used to power the electrolysis units designed to produce green hydrogen. This hydrogen will subsequently serve as a raw material for ammonia production.
The selection of the Laâyoune region illustrates the growing interest in this territory for investments in renewable energies, green hydrogen, and its derivatives. Morocco boasts significant solar and wind resources, in addition to its strategic geographic position.
The project is also part of a trend aimed at developing new industrial chains around green hydrogen, going beyond clean energy production to develop high-value industrial products. Ammonia is among the primary outputs, particularly in the fertilizer and chemical sectors.
As the project progresses, it could further solidify Laâyoune’s position among Moroccan territories welcoming industrial investments related to energy transition and promote the emergence of new infrastructures dedicated to the production of hydrogen and its derivatives.
