Morocco: promising results in hydrocarbon exploration in Guercif
The British company Predator Oil & Gas has announced promising results in the exploration of the MOU-5 hydrocarbon field in Guercif, a city in the eastern region of Morocco.
The UK company confirmed the presence of excellent quality limestone and dune sand, revealing the existence of a potential hydrocarbon reserve to be taken into account, according to an official company statement.
This find, which was the main objective of the operation in the area, was located at a great depth due to the mobilised salt, according to the technical explanations. This condition increases the thickness of the impermeable layer necessary to harbour hydrocarbons.
It is worth noting the appearance of a significant layer of good quality 30-metre-deep sand located under the carbonate formation, something never seen before in the area.
For the moment, work has been halted to allow for further assessment of the seismic data and other technical aspects to be taken into account. In addition, helium was discovered, opening up new possibilities for exploration.
In the light of the discovery, the executive director of Predator Oil & Gas, Paul Griffiths, emphasised the relevance of the work carried out: ‘The results of the MOU-5 drilling revealed a new Jurassic geological trend never before explored in the Guercif basin. The confirmation of our initial geological concept now allows us to concentrate on the acquisition of new specific seismic data to clarify the potential at the top of the formation’.
Morocco's commitment to the energy sector
Predator Oil & Gas has a 75% stake in the Guercif Licence together with the Moroccan National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines (ONHYM), the North African country's state oil company. The licence has a duration of 9 years and is divided into an initial period of 61 months, a first extension period of 29 months and a second extension period, also of 61 months. Entry into the first extension period was ratified in 2024. The first extension period ends on 5 November 2026, when a decision will be made on whether to enter the second extension period.
The Guercif Licence is located off the coast of Morocco and comprises four exploration permits covering an area of 4,301 square kilometres, according to official information from the British company.
Predator Oil & Gas is focusing on five potential biogenic gas zones detected in the MOU-1, MOU-2, MOU-3 and MOU-4 wells, at depths of between 339 and 1,500 metres. Test operations are currently prioritising MOU-3, as the well has several stacked reservoirs suitable for the possible development of compressed natural gas (CNG).
The MOU-5 well, drilled in the first quarter of 2025, is focused on the potential for Jurassic gas at a depth of between 800 and 1,200 metres. Helium, detected in MOU-3 in a gas sample collected during drilling, was also a target in MOU-5, a fact to be taken into account in this promising hydrocarbon prospecting.
This good news regarding possible hydrocarbon reserves in Morocco continues to confer an important dimension of energy potential for the Moroccan kingdom, which, if the good omens are confirmed, would mean a significant energy and economic leap for the North African nation.
Morocco is committed to developing its energy sector to achieve greater supply autonomy and not depend on foreign markets and also to become an important commercial player in the distribution of resources such as hydrocarbons.
At the same time, the Moroccan kingdom is working hard to develop its renewable energy sector to take care of the environment and invest in what is considered the future of the global energy sector. According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Morocco aims to reduce its carbon emissions by 45.5% by 2030 and achieve climate neutrality by 2050. To this end, it is very important to develop the national renewable energy market as much as possible, with Morocco making a significant commitment to solar, wind and green hydrogen energy, which are undergoing significant development in the North African country.
All this is being done to promote investment through the plan developed by the Moroccan state, following the instructions of King Mohammed VI; with the New Investment Charter as the latest example. A New Investment Charter that encourages national and international investment through the mobilisation of a significant sum of state money that serves to promote these investments, through tax exemptions, support for investors, digitalisation of bureaucratic procedures or reduction of taxes and compensation premiums that can reach up to 30% of the total investment. These are very attractive conditions for companies from all kinds of sectors when it comes to promoting various industries in the Moroccan kingdom, including the energy sector.