Morocco enters the global LNG market

Morocco is taking a decisive step forward in its energy development with the imminent launch of commercial production of liquefied natural gas (LNG). This initiative, supported by the British company Sound Energy, marks a turning point in the country's energy history and reinforces its ambition to achieve greater autonomy in terms of gas supply.

Located in eastern Morocco, the Tendrara gas field is at the heart of this transformation. The final phases of construction of the liquefaction plant are nearing completion, and production tests are scheduled to start next summer. Commercial production is due to start before the end of the year, with an initial volume of 283,170 cubic metres per day, rising to 1.13 million cubic metres per day as new wells come on stream.

The Tendrara project has its origins in Dana Petroleum's initial explorations in 2009, followed by Chariot's over 1,700 km². Today, the field covers 133.5 km² and contains estimated reserves of more than 10.67 billion cubic metres of gas.

Morocco, which currently consumes around 1 billion cubic metres of gas a year, produces less than a tenth of its demand. With ambitions to triple local production to 400 million cubic metres a year, the kingdom will be able to cover up to 40% of its gas needs. This initiative aims to reduce dependence on imports, particularly for strategic sectors such as electricity, ceramics, steel and phosphate drying.

The infrastructure under development includes a 120 km gas pipeline that will link Tendrara to the Maghreb-Europe gas pipeline, strengthening the country's integration into the regional gas market. In return, Sound Energy has obtained a licence from the Moroccan authorities to operate the field until 2043. The British company currently holds 20% of the concession, while the Office National des Hydrocarbures et des Mines (ONHYM) holds 25%.

Sound Energy's commitment to this project has already mobilised more than $560 million of investment in exploration, extraction and infrastructure construction. In addition, further funding is planned to explore new resources, including white hydrogen, a low-carbon gas whose exploitation could offer a new source of revenue for Morocco. The British company has expressed an interest in investing $25 million to explore this potential.

The Moroccan government, in collaboration with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), is focusing on sustainable energy infrastructure to boost the gas sector. Tendrara is more than just an economic opportunity: it is also part of Morocco's strategy for a greener energy transition. Diversification of resources would help to reduce the country's carbon footprint and ensure sustainable energy security.

With the imminent launch of LNG production and the prospect of exploring new energy resources, Morocco is establishing itself as a key player in the regional gas market and a model for energy transition in North Africa.