Argonne and a Moroccan university sign an agreement on the development of green energy technologies and informatics

Business Wire in IndiaThe United States Department of Energy (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory and Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to cooperate in key areas of mutual interest related to green energy technology and the water-energy nexus. During a ceremony held at the UM6P campus in Benguerir, a memorandum of understanding was signed by Argonne Laboratory Director Paul Kearns and UM6P President Hicham El Habti.

“We look forward to what discoveries and innovations will emerge from our ongoing partnership,” Kearns said. “By working together, we will open new scientific frontiers for the future of both our countries.”

“Today marks a significant milestone on our journey towards sustainable innovation. The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding with Argonne National Laboratory underscores our commitment to advancing research and development in renewable energy, energy networks and water management. Together, we strive to leverage our collective expertise to create transformative solutions that will benefit not only our communities, but also global society,” said Hicham El Habti.

Over a period of five years, the institutions will exchange published scientific and technical information, publications and reports. They will also organize meetings and joint activities to discuss technical issues. Additionally, the Agreement covers the exchange of scientists, engineers and other specialists to participate in meetings and working sessions organized by the institutions and to plan potential projects.

The institutions’ focus on green energy technologies will include both energy storage and renewable energy. When it comes to energy storage, advanced battery research is critical to meeting the International Energy Agency’s goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050. Electric vehicles play a key role in this effort, and Morocco’s phosphoric acid-based raw materials are extremely promising for the development of efficient lithium iron phosphate cathodes.

Green energy technology also includes renewable energy, including clean hydrogen. Last year, Argonne joined the Midwest Alliance for Clean Hydrogen. The alliance, known as MachH2, brings together 70 organizations to build the foundations of a new, clean hydrogen economy. Argonne will share its findings with UM6P to increase the use of renewable energy in both the United States and Morocco.

Finally, the MoU will help advance clean water research, which is a particularly pressing issue in Morocco. To address this issue, Argonne is leveraging its robust water research portfolio. The portfolio includes materials discovery and scale-up for clean water innovation, new treatment and sustainability systems, and machine learning to combat water pollution.

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