Techno-Economic Impacts of Shipping Liquid Hydrogen, Ammonia or Methanol on Exporting Nations: The Case of Morocco

As greenhouse gas mitigation efforts under the Paris Agreement increase, current fossil-based commodities are expected to shift toward green energy sources. However, studies on green Power-to-X exports from renewable-rich countries often overlook the techno-economic impacts on domestic energy systems. This study examines the effects of exporting liquid hydrogen, ammonia, or methanol via ship on Morocco's domestic energy system by 2050, comparing additional system costs, cost components, export marginal prices, and geospatial infrastructure. Ammonia is identified as the most cost-effective option, with lower hydrogen production, synthesis, and transport costs, minimal storage needs, and concentrated infrastructure. Hydrogen exports, while less cost-competitive due to high liquefaction and shipping costs, reduce domestic electricity prices for exports up to 200 TWh. Methanol is the least attractive, burdened by high direct air capture and hydrogen production costs. Overlapping investments in solar photovoltaic and electrolysis present a noregret option for any PtX export pathway.