France and Morocco deepen energy ties with ambitious partnership

Morocco and France have taken a significant step forward in their energy collaboration, with high-level talks in Paris focusing on renewable energy, electrical interconnection, and low-carbon transitions. Morocco’s Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, Leila Benali, met with French officials to reinforce bilateral commitments and accelerate joint energy projects.

Strategic discussions for renewable energy and interconnection

During her working visit to Paris, Benali held discussions with French leaders, including Marc Ferracci, to advance the partnership between the two nations. Central to their talks was the groundbreaking electrical interconnection project, a bidirectional underwater cable linking Morocco and France. This innovative infrastructure, designed to meet energy demands with sustainable solutions, involves installing cables at unprecedented depths.

The ministers reviewed regulatory and technical steps required to launch a market test for this initiative. The project symbolizes a shared vision of energy sovereignty and positions both nations as leaders in clean energy transitions.

Expanding industrial cooperation in clean energy

The dialogue also explored opportunities for industrial cooperation. Both countries are poised to invest in renewable energy sectors such as solar, wind, and green hydrogen. Manufacturing batteries, strategic industrial components, and cables were identified as key areas for collaboration.

Officials highlighted the potential of "green molecules" like hydrogen and ammonia in land, air, and maritime transport. Research and innovation in advanced technologies, including energy storage and electrolyzers, were prioritized as essential for achieving competitive solutions in global markets.

Renewed commitments for a sustainable future

The meeting underscored shared political and institutional commitments to developing model projects that advance energy sovereignty, industrial competitiveness, and climate goals. This partnership builds on the outcomes of French President Emmanuel Macron’s 2024 state visit to Morocco, which strengthened ties through agreements on energy and sustainable development.

By aligning with Morocco’s vision of becoming a clean energy hub, the collaboration cements the country’s role as a critical player in the global climate response and a leader in renewable energy innovation.