Morocco has revealed plans to build the new Nador West Med Port LNG Terminal on its Mediterranean coast. This LNG terminal project is alongside a network of pipelines designed to bolster the nation’s energy infrastructure and international trade.
Leila Benali who is Morocco’s Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, said to the parliament that the new pipelines would link the upcoming LNG terminal in Nador City directly to an existing pipeline that links Morocco to Spain.
Nador West Med Port LNG Terminal Project Factsheet
Cost: $700 million
Location: Nador West Med Port on Morocco’s Mediterranean coast.
LNG terminal capacity: Expected to import 500 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscfd).
Pipeline capacity: Expected to have a diameter of 48 inches and the capacity to transport 750 mmscfd.
Phased Development:
- Phase one (2025-2027): it includes the tender, construction, and commercial operation of the Nador West Med LNG terminal and the associated pipelines. It also involves an update of a pre-feasibility study for an Atlantic coast LNG regasification terminal.
- Phase two (post-2030): involves the delivery of the Atlantic coast LNG regasification terminal, the development of an LNG regasification terminal at Dakhla Atlantic port, and the construction of further pipelines.
- Phase three (long-term): this phase involves connecting to the Mauritanian and Senegalese gas networks through the Gazoduc Afrique Atlantique pipeline and. Also, it involves developing green hydrogen infrastructure.
Also read: Morocco-Nigeria Gas Pipeline Tenders to be Launched by Morocco in 2025
Furthermore, Benali noted that this strategic link will be of service to major industrial centres in Mohammedia and Kenitra.
Also read: Feasibility Study and Route Finalized for the $25 Billion Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline Project
Deadline for Submission of Interests on the Project
The Energy Transition and Sustainable Development Ministry has already given out a call for expressions of interest for the upcoming LNG terminal project. The deadline for submission of interest has been set at July 23 for companies to submit proposals.
This ambitious pipeline network will enhance Morocco’s position in the global energy market. This is especially through its connection to the Morocco-Europe pipeline which could further boost the increased energy trade with Europe.
Significance of the Project
Morocco’s planned LNG terminal project and pipeline network is in line with the country’s ambitious goals of energy diversification and sustainable development. This will position the country to meet future energy demands in a more efficient way.
The substantial investment on the energy project clearly outlines Morocco’s forward-looking vision. This vision serves to not only address its increasing domestic energy needs but also to capitalize on international markets.
Even though the bigger impact on the Middle East’s energy landscape remains to be seen, Morocco’s strategic lean towards LNG terminal linked to pipelines could serve as a precedent for other nations in the region. This will be achieved by exploring new energy sources and sustainable growth within an evolving global energy framework.
