Four exploratory wells, over a billion dirhams invested, and a renewed push toward energy independence—2024 was a pivotal year for Morocco’s National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines (ONHYM). Far from slowing down, the organization ramped up its activities across several fronts, from drilling operations to strategic research and regional partnerships, signaling a clear commitment to bolstering the kingdom’s energy security.
During its 22nd board meeting held Wednesday in Rabat, ONHYM laid out its progress before key officials, including Leila Benali, Morocco’s Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, and the agency’s Director General, Amina Benkhadra. The gathering offered a comprehensive look at the year’s achievements, highlighting both the scale of investment and the strategic direction Morocco is taking.
At the center of the report was the drilling of four exploration wells—three on land and one offshore—with a total investment exceeding 1.01 billion dirhams. While technically complex, financially demanding, and inherently risky, such operations are crucial to Morocco’s ambition to strengthen its energy sovereignty and reduce dependence on foreign sources.
Minister Benali was candid about the stakes. As global energy dynamics evolve, she emphasized, Morocco must secure its place on the regional energy map. “Hydrocarbon exploration is high-risk by nature,” she said, “and demands the full mobilization of skills and resources—especially if we want to attract investors and tap into unexplored geological zones.”
Natural gas, in particular, is expected to play a central role in Morocco’s energy transition. Its relatively low carbon footprint makes it a practical bridge fuel that can support the decarbonization of industry while ensuring reliable supply.
But ONHYM’s ambitions aren’t limited to oil and gas. The agency significantly expanded its focus in 2024 to include strategic and critical minerals—materials essential for powering green technologies and the digital economy. This move aligns Morocco with global priorities and reflects the country’s broader commitments to sustainability and energy transition.
Also high on the agenda was the monumental Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline project. Described by Minister Benali as a “major breakthrough” and a powerful symbol of South-South cooperation, the pipeline promises to reshape West Africa’s energy landscape. More than just a regional project, it’s a strategic play that positions Morocco as a key player in the continent’s future energy infrastructure.
From exploration to geopolitics, ONHYM’s 2024 agenda makes one thing clear: Morocco is doubling down on its energy ambitions, with eyes set firmly on security, sustainability, and long-term influence.
