Morocco has launched a $4.6bn scheme that includes the construction of a liquefied natural gas (LNG) import terminal near the deepwater commercial port of Jorf Lasfa, 118 kilometres from Casablanca.

Morocco’s Energy Minister Abdelkader Amara announced the new project on 18 December.

The new terminal will allow Morocco to increase its natural gas imports, and it will be built within five years, according to the plans set out by Amara.

Speaking to reporters Ali Fassi-Fihri, chief of Morocco’s National Electricity & Potable Water Office (ONEE) described efforts to ensure the country had sufficient energy supplies as “a race against the clock”.

The new project is the second incarnation of a scheme that was announced in 2007, but saw little progress.

On top of the terminal, the project will include the construction of a jetty, pipelines and a regasification unit.

It will also include four gas-fired power plants, which will each have a 600MW capacity.

“All the projects will be awarded via international tenders in total transparency,” said Amara.

Morocco is planning to enter into negotiations with LNG exporters in early 2015.