In a groundbreaking collaboration, Morocco-based Falcon Capital Dakhla has joined forces with French hydrogen energy promoter Hydrogene de France SA (HDF) to embark on an ambitious venture, the White Dunes project. The initiative aims to develop an extensive 8-gigawatt (GW) green hydrogen production facility in the southern region of Morocco.

The White Dunes project, spearheaded by Falcon Capital Dakhla, is set to emerge as a prominent hub for the production of what is touted to be "some of the world's cheapest green hydrogen." The anticipated initial investment for this colossal undertaking is estimated at around USD 2 billion (EUR 1.84 billion).

As part of the project's vision, electrolysers will be strategically installed in the Dakhla region, drawing power from an impressive 10 GW of wind energy and 7 GW of solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity. The expansive complex is slated to cover an area spanning 150,000 hectares (370,700 acres).

The collaboration between Falcon Capital Dakhla and HDF Energy is seen as a synergistic partnership, leveraging the strengths of both entities to achieve highly competitive green hydrogen production within Morocco. Damien Havard, CEO of HDF Energy, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, describing it as the "perfect synergy" for producing globally competitive green hydrogen.

The White Dunes project is not a hastily conceived plan; rather, it has been meticulously developed over nearly two years. During this period, extensive feasibility studies, preliminary project design, and phased planning have been conducted, reflecting the commitment to ensuring the project's success.

Central to the project's success is its reliance on substantial renewable energy capacity. With 10 GW of wind power and 7 GW of solar PV, the project underlines the integral role of renewable energy integration in large-scale green hydrogen production.

Morocco, with its commitment to achieving significant renewable energy milestones, aims to source at least 52% of its total power from renewables by 2030 and an ambitious 80% by 2050. To support these objectives, the country has set a target to deploy 10 GW of renewable energy capacity by the end of this decade.

The White Dunes project stands as a testament to the growing global interest in green hydrogen as a key player in the renewable energy landscape. By harnessing Morocco's vast renewable energy potential, the project aims to contribute substantial amounts of hydrogen for diverse applications. The collaboration between Falcon Capital Dakhla and HDF Energy signifies a strategic partnership poised to deliver cost-competitive green hydrogen on a monumental scale.