Morocco is preparing to launch a call for expressions of interest in the coming days for the development of a liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal near the eastern Mediterranean city of Nador, Energy Minister Leila Benali announced on Monday. «This week, we will be launching a call for the expression of interest to develop the first phase of the natural gas terminal in Nador», Benali told MPs during a parliamentary session. The infrastructure will be set up at the Nador West Med port, a deepwater facility currently under construction, and will serve as a floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU). The new terminal will be linked to the existing pipeline network that allows Morocco to import natural gas from Spain, currently estimated at 0.5 billion cubic meters (bcm) annually. According to Benali, the facility will also supply industrial zones in the Atlantic coastal cities of Kenitra and Mohammedia, though she did not provide further details on the planned connections. Morocco is looking to natural gas as a transitional energy source as it gradually phases out coal and ramps up renewable energy production. The government expects gas demand to surge to 8 bcm by 2027, up from around 1 bcm today, according to estimates from the Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development. The planned LNG terminal is part of a broader energy transition strategy that aims to boost Morocco's renewable share in total installed electricity capacity from 45% today to 52% by 2030. Also on Monday, the National Office for Electricity and Drinking Water (ONEE) approved a 2025–2030 roadmap to add 15 gigawatts (GW) to the country's installed capacity. «Of this, 13 GW will come from renewable sources», Benali said, adding that the plan will require 120 billion dirhams ($13 billion) in investment. Currently, Morocco's renewable capacity stands at 5.5 GW. The minister underscored the government's commitment to energy diversification and security, calling the LNG project a «crucial step» toward building «a flexible and resilient energy system» capable of supporting both economic growth and decarbonization targets. It is worth noting that the upcoming call for expressions of interest will help identify potential private partners for the terminal's first phase.
