Spain Seeks Renewable Energy Alliance with Morocco Amid Algeria Tensions

Spain wants to take advantage of the resumption of relations with Morocco to engage the kingdom in an energy partnership, in the field of renewable energies. In crisis with Algeria since it announced its support for Morocco’s autonomy plan for the Sahara, Spain is already looking for alternatives to reduce its dependence on Algerian gas.

This partnership will be beneficial for both parties, EFE knows, specifying that Morocco needs Spanish (and European) technology to develop its renewable energies (wind, solar, thermal and photovoltaic) and Spain needs an ally to the south to supply it with green energy if needed.

To read: Morocco Accelerates Renewable Energy Push After Gas Pipeline Closure

Despite this race for clean energy, the two countries continue to depend on the import of natural gas to fully meet their energy demand. For the moment, the two countries are considering using the Moroccan part of the Maghreb-Europe gas pipeline to import gas from Nigeria or other neighboring deposits in the area. However, this option is very complex, say some Spanish groups that have already studied this possibility.

To read: Spain Approves Morocco’s Gas Import Plan via Maghreb-Europe Pipeline

But nothing prevents exploring it, especially since this gas connection with Spain could help reduce the energy divide in Morocco. At the same time, the agreement to transport via the GME gas purchased by Morocco on the international market in the form of liquefied gas, after having it transformed in the Spanish regasification plants, will be implemented. And in parallel, Morocco will continue its policy of developing renewable energy production (wind and solar), in order to achieve 52% clean energy production by 2030. A level already reached by Spain.