United Kingdom: The impact of the US-China trade war on the UK-US special relationship

Thursday 03 April 2025 - 14:30

By: Zahouani Ilham

United Kingdom: The impact of the US-China trade war on the UK-US special relationship

Ouarzazate is set to host a significant national energy conference on April 23, 2025, organized by the Moroccan Federation of Energy. This strategic event will be attended by a high-level French delegation led by French Minister for Energy, Marc Ferracci, and French President Emmanuel Macron's special envoy for energy partnerships with Morocco, Gérard Mestrallet.

This conference marks a pivotal moment in energy cooperation between the two countries. Key figures from both sides will be present, including Morocco's Minister for Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, Leila Benali, and Minister of Equipment and Water, Nizar Baraka, alongside representatives from major French energy companies such as Veolia, Engie, and HDF Energy, which specializes in green hydrogen. Additionally, key Moroccan energy officials such as Tariq Hamman, Director General of the National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water, and Amina Benkhadra, Director General of the National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines, will also attend.

This official visit comes amid a rapidly changing regional and international context, marked by shifting geopolitical dynamics that have affected Europe's energy system and reshaped the priorities of major capitals, particularly Paris. According to sources from Morocco's Ministry of Energy Transition, France now views Morocco not just as an economic player, but as a strategic partner, due to its prime geographical location, advanced renewable energy capabilities, and political stability, which makes it a trusted destination for significant investments.

A major project being pursued in this framework is the electricity interconnection between the two countries, expected to enhance clean energy exchanges between the two shores and reduce Europe's reliance on traditional energy sources. Additionally, developing green hydrogen and renewable energy projects is a key priority, aligning with Europe's ecological transition strategy.

The energy collaboration between Rabat and Paris has now expanded beyond technical and commercial aspects, evolving into a diplomatic and strategic partnership that serves as a model for regional integration in energy security, sustainable development, and strategic independence. France's role as the guest of honor at this conference underscores its commitment to strengthening its presence in Morocco's energy sector, especially amid growing international competition for renewable energy projects.

This visit follows several recent trips by Gérard Mestrallet to Morocco, including his participation in the World Hydrogen Forum in Marrakesh and an unannounced visit on February 24, 2025, where he held discussions with Morocco's Minister of Energy Transition, Leila Benali.

The timing of this cooperation is significant, as Morocco's National Electricity Regulatory Authority approved on February 19, 2025, the separation of accounting activities for production, transmission, and distribution under the National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water, reflecting the kingdom’s efforts to enhance transparency and improve the governance of its energy sector, preparing it for more international investments.

The visit of the French Energy Minister and Macron's special envoy to Ouarzazate represents an opportunity to deepen discussions on the prospects for energy partnership between Morocco and France, particularly concerning renewable energy, green hydrogen, and electrical grid interconnections. It also marks a further step toward positioning Morocco as a regional hub for clean energy, strengthening European-African cooperation in this vital sector.

In this dynamic environment, Morocco is emerging as a key player in the global energy transition, while France aims to secure a long-term strategic partnership in line with its energy and geopolitical priorities in the region.