Morocco is preparing a tender for a liquified natural gas (LNG) project in the Atlantic port of Jorf Lasfar, Energy Minister Aziz Rabbah announced on October 1, according to Reuters.

The project will allow the country to import 7 billion cubic meters of gas by 2025, and includes the construction of a jetty, terminal, pipelines and gas-fired power plants, officials have said.

The minister made the comments on the sidelines of the Eleventh Arab Energy Conference, currently being held in Marrakesh.

Moroccan state-owned power utility ONEE, said in 2017 that is had recruited HSBC Middle East Ltd as a financial advisor for plans to boost LNG imports.

As a net energy importer Morocco is aiming to diversify its hydrocarbon imports, reducing its dependence on foreign oil and coal.