Algeria Halts Gas Pipeline to Spain, Morocco Prepared for Impact

In an article on the repercussions of the Algerian decision not to renew the contract on the Maghreb-Europe gas pipeline (GME), crossing Morocco and connecting Algeria to Spain, Financial Times assures that Morocco is ready to face all scenarios. The kingdom has indeed anticipated all scenarios concerning the future of the GME.

Referring to the power plants, of which less than 10% are powered by gas, the author of the article believes that "Morocco could call on the coal-fired power plants it has and may possibly turn to other fossil fuels for the power plants hitherto fed by Algerian gas". He notes that the end of the GME would have a negative impact on Spain. Especially as winter approaches when gas prices are soaring across Europe.

Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares had traveled to Algiers on September 30, where he discussed the project to extend the direct Algeria-Spain gas pipeline (Medgaz) with his Algerian counterpart. "Even with additional gas, Spain will have trouble this winter importing gas through its LNG terminals," the same source points out.