New Developments in the Morocco-Portugal Electrical Interconnection
The electrical interconnection project between Morocco and Portugal is entering a new phase as both countries have agreed to seek support from the European Commission to classify the initiative among the strategic projects eligible for European funding. This development is accompanied by efforts to attract private sector investments, signaling a robust push towards enhancing energy security and diversifying electricity supply sources through a new connection linking Europe and North Africa. Officials from both nations have reported that this project aims to bolster the resilience of electrical networks within the region, a necessity highlighted by the recent widespread power outages experienced in Spain and Portugal in April 2025, which underscored the limitations of the Iberian Peninsula's electrical connectivity with the rest of Europe.
Importance and Implications of the Project
This joint initiative is expected to significantly enhance the security of electricity supply in Portugal, which currently relies solely on its connection with Spain. Moreover, it will facilitate integration between European and African electricity networks, ultimately reducing the risks of future outages. During discussions with the European Commission's Executive Vice President, Teresa Ribera, Portuguese Energy Minister Maria da Graça Carvalho emphasized the strategic importance of this interconnection. The project is characterized by its dual approach: one pathway focuses on securing funding from the "Connecting Europe" facility, while the other aims to gauge interest from investors and network operators. Carvalho reiterated that neither government intends to impose additional financial burdens on consumers or taxpayers, thereby providing the private sector with opportunities to contribute financially, contingent on demonstrated interest and economic feasibility.
Moroccan Energy Transition and Sustainable Development Minister Leila Benali affirmed that the electrical interconnection is also designed to lower costs and ensure affordable electricity access for citizens and various economic sectors in both countries. While technical studies are ongoing, it remains undecided whether the project will be implemented via a direct undersea cable between Morocco and Portugal or through existing infrastructure linking Morocco to Spain.
The strategic significance of the Morocco-Portugal electrical interconnection is further underscored by Portugal's commitment of approximately €400 million (about $461.6 million) to advance energy security and diversify electricity sources, particularly following setbacks in plans to interconnect with France. This project not only serves as a crucial energy link between Europe and North Africa but also leverages Morocco's geographical advantage and its growing capacity to generate electricity from renewable sources. As the EU seeks to reduce dependency on Russian gas, this interconnection could facilitate the exchange of green electricity, aligning with Morocco's goal of sourcing over 52% of its electricity from renewable energies by 2030.
As reported by attaqa.net.
