Morocco's plan to make sustainable aviation fuels a key asset
- Strategic potential in Africa
- An opportunity in the face of global challenges
- Three keys to Morocco's momentum
Driven by its enormous potential in renewable energy and a firm commitment to green hydrogen, Morocco aims to establish itself as a key player in the green transition of air transport. A recent study by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) reveals how the Kingdom can transform sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) into a genuine industrial and strategic asset at the regional level.
In a context where the global aviation industry is urgently seeking to reduce its carbon footprint, SAFs are emerging as an essential technological solution. However, their adoption is progressing slowly. Despite a 1,150% increase in supply over the last three years, these fuels accounted for only 0.3% of total fuel used in 2024.
Strategic potential in Africa
According to the BCG study, entitled Sustainable Aviation Fuels Need a Faster Takeoff, the country has a unique combination of advantages: abundant renewable resources, advanced airport infrastructure, a privileged geographical position at the gateway to Europe and a strong commitment to green hydrogen.
‘The Kingdom has all the ingredients to become a key player in clean aviation,’ says Émile Detry, managing director and partner at BCG in Casablanca. In a sector still characterised by caution — two-thirds of the companies surveyed by BCG prefer to observe before acting — Morocco stands out for its ability to anticipate major industrial transformations.
Investing in SAF today would not only contribute to the decarbonisation of air transport, but also strengthen the country's energy sovereignty, boost sustainable green growth and create skilled jobs in the technology and industrial sectors.
An opportunity in the face of global challenges
The report also highlights a worrying paradox: although 80% of companies say they are confident in their ability to meet SAF targets by 2030, only 14% consider themselves truly prepared. Furthermore, current investments are uneven: while developers and manufacturers are committed, airlines and airports remain reluctant.
This mismatch opens a window of opportunity for agile and forward-looking economies. By creating a favourable ecosystem based on tax incentives, green financing and strategic partnerships, Morocco can position itself as a preferred destination for SAF investments and benefit from an industrial spillover effect.
Three keys to Morocco's momentum
To transform this potential into a tangible advantage, BCG identifies three essential levers for action: Articulate a common roadmap between public and private actors, similar to European mandates that require the incorporation of SAF into the sector's energy matrix; launch industrial pilot projects, leveraging the country's logistics hubs and in collaboration with international technology partners; and create an attractive investment environment through mechanisms such as carbon pricing, long-term purchase contracts and agile access to climate finance.
Although the production of SAF, particularly those based on electronic fuels such as green hydrogen and captured carbon, remains costly, their adoption will become inevitable over time. In this regard, countries that position themselves early will gain decisive scale advantages.
The study concludes that by positioning itself as a pioneer in the production and adoption of SAFs, Morocco can not only take the lead over its neighbours, but also strengthen its energy autonomy in a strategic sector and project a modern image committed to the future of the planet.