A landmark agreement has been signed in Paris, bringing together SBU Mining, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), and EDF Power Solution Group in a strategic partnership aimed at driving the OCP Group’s energy transition. Signed on September 24, the memorandum of understanding focuses on joint initiatives in renewable energy and green hydrogen, laying the foundation for a new phase in OCP’s decarbonization efforts.
This collaboration represents a major shift in SBU Mining’s strategy to reduce its carbon footprint. The alliance draws strength from the synergy between SBU Mining’s industrial capabilities, UM6P’s academic innovation, and EDF’s expertise in low-carbon energy technologies. Together, the three organizations plan to create practical solutions to accelerate the shift toward clean energy in the mining sector.
The first project under this partnership is already in motion. It will be carried out at the Mining Accelerated Research Center (Mining ARC) in Benguerir, where a pilot installation of an electrolyzer is planned. This system will produce green hydrogen, which will then be used in a series of industrial trials related to drying processes and mobility. Beyond these initial applications, the pilot will also serve as a testing ground for feasibility studies and market analyses, helping to identify further areas for collaboration.
But the agreement goes beyond technology deployment. It also includes a strong training and knowledge-transfer component. Using data generated from the technical pilots, new educational programs will be developed in partnership with EDF Power Solution Group. These will aim to equip SBU Mining teams with in-depth knowledge across the full energy value chain, from production to application.
Discussions are also underway about the creation of a dedicated center of excellence focused on green technologies and hydrogen. This center would serve multiple purposes: a hub for advanced training, a breeding ground for innovation, and a collaborative space where expertise from different sectors can be pooled to support OCP’s long-term sustainability goals.
For SBU Mining and its Future Is Mine platform, the move signals a clear commitment to actionable climate solutions. By aligning industrial strength with academic research and clean energy innovation, the group is positioning itself at the forefront of sustainable mining practices, determined to lead the charge in reducing the environmental impact of its operations.
