Morocco intensifies its regional energy ambitions with new Mauritanian partnership

Wednesday 22 January 2025 - 08:50

By: Dakir Madiha

Morocco intensifies its regional energy ambitions with new Mauritanian partnership

Morocco and Mauritania are preparing to sign a significant memorandum of understanding for electricity connection between the two nations, according to Morocco's Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, Leila Benali.

The agreement, set to be finalized during the Mauritanian Energy Minister's visit to Morocco on Thursday, focuses on electricity sector integration and renewable energy development. The initiative aims to establish a reliable energy connection while strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

Morocco's broader strategy positions the country as an energy bridge between Africa and Europe. The nation is actively expanding its international energy partnerships, including a new 700-megawatt electricity connection with Spain. This expansion will increase the total capacity from 900 MW to 1,550 MW, building upon a 2019 agreement.

Further international collaborations include plans for a 1,000-megawatt electricity link with Portugal. Morocco has also secured agreements for sustainable electricity exchanges with Spain, France, Germany, and Portugal.

To support these ambitious projects, Morocco has substantially increased its investment in its national electricity grid. The annual budget has seen a fivefold increase, rising from MAD 1 billion ($99 million) to MAD 5 billion ($498 billion).

In a notable shift, private companies can now invest in high-voltage electricity projects, including a 3-gigawatt line connecting southern and central Morocco. The country has outlined plans to invest MAD 30 billion ($2.9 billion) in its national electricity grid by 2030. The current government has already approved 2,000 megawatts of renewable energy projects during its term.