Morocco’s exceptional energy potential: A gateway to European partnerships

Morocco boasts exceptional assets in the energy sector, stated Gérard Mestrallet, the special envoy of the French President for the India-Middle East-Europe economic corridor, during a meeting in Rabat on Thursday.

Among these assets, Mestrallet highlighted “strong, consistent winds in the southern regions, remarkable solar exposure, ample land availability, a well-structured administrative and ministerial organization, hydrogen production capabilities,” and the country’s close proximity to Europe. Speaking to the press after a meeting with Morocco’s Minister of Equipment and Water, Nizar Baraka, Mestrallet emphasized that these factors position Morocco as a potential key energy partner for Europe. He noted that ongoing discussions and collaborative efforts in this field are “extremely promising.”

The discussions centered on the production of hydrogen, ammonia, and e-fuels, as well as the transportation of these energy resources. The possibility of establishing energy connectivity between Morocco, France, and Europe more broadly was also a key topic, Mestrallet added.

“We’ve come to explore these prospects, with a particular focus on a potential electric connection between Morocco (Nador) and France (Marseille),” he said. Both parties are currently conducting in-depth studies to determine the feasibility of such a connection, he specified.

Minister Nizar Baraka also highlighted discussions on the potential export of green hydrogen from Morocco to France, leveraging Moroccan port infrastructure. He underscored the strategic role the Nador West Med port could play in advancing Morocco’s energy sector.

This meeting was part of ongoing cooperation in the energy sector, following a bilateral agreement signed during French President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to Morocco. The discussions were attended by Christophe Lecourtier, France’s ambassador to Morocco, and Xavier Piechaczyk, chairman of the board of France’s electricity transmission network operator.