Would-be LNG importer Morocco is favouring a site on its Mediterranean coast to site a planned floating storage and regasification unit.
Mohamed Bernannou, senior advisor at the country's Ministry of Energy, Mining and Sustainable Development, told delegates to the CWC World LNG Summit in Rome that four sites had been considered.
He said the one at Nador West Med Port “appears the most promising” site for the LNG terminal, explaining that Morocco wants to develop storage and regasification so that it can participate in the storage and regasification market in Europe.
Bernannou said other sites on the country’s Atlantic coast including Jorf Lasfar. And Kenitra may work best for supplying local or national markets, particularly for industry.
A final decision on the location is due to be made early in 2020.
Speaking on the conference sidelines, he said confidential discussions are already underway with FSRU suppliers.
He said if the project moves ahead a unit could be in place by 2021 to dovetail in with the end of a pipeline gas contract with Algeria.
Bernannou said that Morocco is aiming to see renewables accounting for 52% of its energy mix by 2030 but he added that the country will need gas to support this
“Gas will for a long time be the bridge to renewables,” he said, commenting that energy demand is expected to be volatile going forward and LNG can give the flexibility to cope with this.
