The WorldPtXSummit, the premier global event in the field of green hydrogen and clean molecules, kicked off with great enthusiasm on September 19th in the enchanting city of Marrakech.
Over the course of two days, the event has brought together policymakers, industry leaders, research experts, and innovators from around the world, all united by a common goal – to accelerate the transition to sustainable energy solutions.
Under the High Patronage of King Mohammed VI and the auspices of the Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, this year’s edition of the “World Power-to-X Summit” was organized by the Institute for Research in Solar Energy and New Energies (IRESEN), the GreenH2 Cluster, and the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University.
The event was also held in partnership with the Regional Council of Guelmim Oued Noun and Industry of Morocco Magazine.
One of the significant highlights of this summit was the signing of multiple conventions related to green hydrogen. These partnerships aim to promote innovation, enhance training in green hydrogen technologies, and pave the way for Morocco’s successful energy transition.
Huawei’s digital transition
Chakib Achour, Chief Strategy Officer at Huawei, had a notable presence at this year’s WorldPtX event.
Achour expressed Huawei’s commitment to revolutionizing the digital economy through innovative solutions that include integrating solar energy into digital power systems, data centers, and cloud infrastructure.
This holistic approach not only demonstrates their dedication to sustainability but also the convergence of technology and energy management.
ACWA Power and sustainable hydrogen
Thomas Altmann, Executive Vice President of Innovation and New Technology at ACWA Power, also delivered some of his and his company’s insights at the WorldPtX Summit.
He emphasized the critical role of water desalination in hydrogen production. ACWA Power, a prominent player in renewable energy solutions, has embarked on an ambitious hydrogen project in Saudi Arabia, integrating desalination with hydrogen production.
This project, the world’s largest under construction, produces a remarkable 650 tons of hydrogen daily, utilizing only 9,000 cubic meters of water. As ACWA Power expands its presence in Morocco, it aims to redefine desalination and hydrogen production, offering sustainable solutions for the future.
AUI’s commitment to energy and innovation
Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane (AUI) also made a significant impact at WorldPtX as it unveiled its dedication to shaping the future of energy and innovation.
Dean Salah Majeed of the university’s School of Science and Engineering showcased AUI’s renewable and sustainable energy programs, emphasizing the university’s readiness to address global challenges.
Through collaborations with industry partners, AUI aims to lead the way in developing new skills and competencies aligned with AI and energy, underscoring the importance of a liberal arts education.
Geopolitical and business implications
The second and final day of the World Power-to-X Summit featured two plenary sessions. The first delved into the geopolitical implications of the green hydrogen market, while the second explored business opportunities in the Middle East and Africa.
During the first session, experts discussed the abundant renewable energy sources in the Middle East and Africa regions and the significant investments required to harness this potential efficiently.
During the panel discussion, speakers such as Nadja Haakansson from Siemens Energy and Cedric Brull from the Belgian Hydrogen Council emphasized the immense geopolitical significance of green hydrogen.
They specifically underscored its pivotal role in Morocco’s strategic positioning with respect to Europe with the summit being an ideal ground to lay strategic plans and patnership
In the subsequent session, other speakers delved into the potential transformation of the MENA region into a central hub for green hydrogen production and distribution.
This transformation is being driven by a confluence of factors, including progressive reforms within the energy sector, strategic collaborations, and the region’s abundant natural resources, all of which have given rise to substantial and promising business prospects.
Leading the discussion were Stephan Gobert of Engie, Alykhan Kassam representing engineering firm John Cockerill, Jawad El Kharra from the Regional Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, and Hicham Gad of Taqa Morocco.
Together, they explored the multifaceted opportunities that lie within the MENA region’s grasp, positioning it as a key player in the emerging global green hydrogen economy.
Korea-Morocco collaboration in Energy Transition
Korean Ambassador to Morocco Keeyong Chung was also present at the event, and expressed his honor to be part of the exchange of minds at the WorldPtX Summit.
He highlighted the solidarity of Korea with the people of Morocco in the wake of the recent earthquake and mentioned how the Korea-Morocco business forum had focused on opportunities in the energy transition field.
This collaboration follows last year’s green hydrogen forum and aims to foster concrete cooperative projects in the future, particularly in hydrogen infrastructure, steel, and electrolysis technology.
As green energy transition continues to be an important and relevant topic, Morocco is still seeking to position itself as a regional and global leader in the field.
