From Concept to Implementation: Cross-Project Learning Advances Power-to-Methanol development in Morocco

Moving a Power-to-X project from concept to operation requires more than technical design. It also depends on practical experience across procurement, financing, regulation, certification and the integration of emerging technologies.

On 11 August 2026, GOPA Tech joined representatives of IRESEN, KfW and Griesemann for a technical visit to the German Aerospace Center (DLR) site in Leuna, Germany. The exchange connected DLR’s experience with the ongoing development of a Power-to-Methanol demonstration plant at IRESEN’s Green H2 Applications Platform in Jorf Lasfar, Morocco.

Learning from a Power-to-Liquid facility in Leuna

DLR’s Technology Platform Power-to-Liquid Fuels is currently under construction, with commissioning scheduled for the end of 2027. The facility will use hydrogen and CO₂ feedstocks compliant with the EU Renewable Energy Directive to produce synthetic fuels, including kerosene, diesel and naphtha.

During the visit, the delegation explored technical integration, procurement, financing, regulation and fuel certification. These are central considerations for demonstration projects seeking to translate innovative Power-to-X technologies into reliable operating facilities.

The discussions provided practical reference points for the Moroccan project as it progresses towards its next phase.

Developing a Power-to-Methanol demonstration plant in Morocco

Developed under the German-Moroccan Thematic PtX Programme and financed by KfW, the project will establish a Power-to-Methanol demonstration plant at IRESEN’s Green H2 Applications Platform.

As implementation consultant, GOPA Tech is supporting IRESEN across design, procurement, construction supervision and commissioning, together with subcontractor Griesemann. The conceptual design has been completed, with Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) forming the next phase of the project.

Powered by clean electricity, the facility will produce green methanol using hydrogen generated on site and CO₂ captured from ambient air. It will also create practical knowledge of anion exchange membrane (AEM) electrolysis under variable renewable-power supply and limited-grid conditions.

Creating value beyond fuel production

The demonstration plant is intended to serve not only as a production facility, but also as a platform for developing technical expertise, research capacity and operational experience. It will help to:

• Train local operators, engineers and health, safety and environment teams in electrolysis, CO₂ capture and methanol synthesis;
• Support master’s and doctoral research while strengthening domestic scientific expertise;
• Generate operating data that can help reduce risks for future Power-to-Liquid projects; and
• Build experience in safety, permitting, certification and requirements for renewable fuels of non-biological origin (RFNBOs), while strengthening confidence in the emerging market.

These capabilities are particularly relevant for Morocco, where strong wind and solar resources are frequently located in areas with limited grid infrastructure. The project will provide practical evidence on operating Power-to-X technologies under these conditions.

Green methanol also offers several potential applications: it can support cleaner maritime transport, serve as a feedstock for the chemical industry and provide a pathway towards e-SAF production.

Advancing through shared experience

As the Moroccan project moves into FEED, the knowledge gained in Leuna will help inform decisions across engineering, procurement, regulation and certification. By connecting experience from two Power-to-X demonstration projects, the visit translated cross-project learning into practical considerations for implementation.