The ongoing crisis in Ceuta has reignited discussions regarding the commercial relationship between Spain and Morocco, particularly emphasizing the energy dimension of this partnership. Although less visible, this aspect is crucial for Morocco's economic growth model, which has been shaped over recent decades and heavily relies on industrial activities that benefit from synergies with Europe. According to data compiled by EFE from various official sources, electricity imported from Spain accounted for 8% of Morocco's annual demand in 2025, while 23% of the petroleum products purchased during this period originated from Spanish territory.
Key Interconnections
Morocco possesses its own electricity generation capabilities, meaning it does not exclusively depend on Spain for its supply. However, the two underwater links that connect both nations through the Strait of Gibraltar play an essential role in ensuring the stability of Morocco's energy framework, as noted by Manuel Antonio Fernández-Villacañas, a professor at EAE Business School. Cooperation in this sector began in 1997 with the establishment of a 700-megawatt (MW) line, which was expanded to 1,400 MW in 2006. Analyst Ignacio Urbasos, in a publication by the Real Instituto Elcano, mentioned that Spanish exports constituted around 15% of Morocco's electricity demand between 2007 and 2017, helping to lower costs and allowing Morocco to meet the rapid growth of domestic consumption while achieving electrification in rural areas.
The closure of the Maghreb-European gas pipeline at the end of 2021, following Algeria's non-renewal of the contract amid tensions with Morocco over Western Sahara, underscored the significance of these electricity exports for ensuring Morocco’s energy supply. In 2025, for the fourth consecutive year, Spain's scheduled exchanges with Morocco were export-oriented, amounting to 3,743 gigawatt-hours (GWh), the highest levels since 2017, as reported by the national electricity system operator, Red Eléctrica. The total electricity sent, approximately 3.9 terawatt-hours (TWh), represented 8% of Morocco's demand, which reached 49 TWh that year, according to the National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water of Morocco.
Energy Products and Regional Dynamics
Despite the efforts to promote electrification and energy transition, petroleum products remain central to Morocco's energy system, accounting for 51% of its energy mix in 2025, as per the Economic, Social and Environmental Council of Morocco. Estimated consumption for this year was around 12.8 million tons, primarily dominated by diesel, with imports exceeding 13 million tons. Spanish corporation Cores revealed that Morocco imported over three million tons of petroleum products from Spain in 2025, constituting 23% of its total imports. The most sought-after product was diesel, with 21.5% of the diesel imported by Morocco coming from Spain, even though shipments from Spanish refineries saw a 22.4% year-on-year decline.
This decline is attributed to the increasing reliance on Russian diesel, which has become more economically appealing due to discounts from exporters and traders since the European Union prohibited its importation following the invasion of Ukraine. The energy sector distinctly differentiates Spain's relationships with Morocco and Algeria. Algeria serves as a significant gas supplier and possesses clear pressure tools, as highlighted by Fernández-Villacañas, who recalled how, in 2022, Algeria froze much of its trade with Spain due to Spain's stance on Western Sahara. Now that relations have normalized, Algeria has reaffirmed its position as Spain's primary source of imported natural gas, prompting the Spanish government to encourage companies to leverage opportunities in this new phase of bilateral relations.
In contrast, Spain's ties with Morocco are characterized by deeper and multidimensional connections that encompass trade and counter-terrorism efforts, making any disconnection between the two significantly more challenging and costly for both parties, as pointed out by Fernández-Villacañas.
As reported by elfarodeceuta.es.
