Portugal and Morocco Collaborate on Energy Connectivity
In a significant move towards enhancing energy cooperation, Morocco and Portugal have initiated discussions to examine the feasibility of a groundbreaking undersea power link that aims to establish a robust electricity connection between Europe and North Africa. Portuguese Environment and Energy Minister Maria da Graça Carvalho announced this initiative on July 6, emphasizing the strategic importance of such an interconnection during a recent ministerial conference focused on energy partnerships in southwestern Europe.
The proposed power link, which would mirror the existing electricity connection between Spain and Morocco, is envisioned to bolster energy ties and facilitate renewable electricity trade across borders. Carvalho remarked, "One of the issues on the agenda is the feasibility of an electricity interconnection with Morocco," highlighting the need for a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis to ascertain the project's viability and potential benefits for Portugal.
A Broader Initiative for Renewable Energy Trade
The concept of an undersea cable linking Portugal and Morocco was first introduced in 2016, proposing a 220-kilometer cable capable of transmitting 1,000 megawatts of electricity. A 2022 study conducted by the Mediterranean Transmission System Operators association (Med-TSO) estimated that the project would require an investment of around €650 million, or approximately $742.3 million. This ambitious plan forms part of a larger regional strategy aimed at enhancing electricity connectivity between North Africa and Europe, with backing from the European Union as part of its energy security and decarbonization initiatives.
In addition to the proposed interconnection between Portugal and Morocco, several other projects are underway to foster electricity trade between North Africa and Europe, including the ELMED link between Tunisia and Italy, and the Greece-Egypt connection known as GREGY. These initiatives are designed to facilitate the export of renewable energy from North Africa, thereby attracting substantial investments, strengthening local power grids, and generating foreign currency through electricity exports. As these projects progress, they promise to reshape the energy landscape and enhance sustainability efforts across the region.
As reported by ecofinagency.com.
