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Portugal considers energy interconnection with Morocco amid French delays
As France continues to impede energy links from the Iberian Peninsula, Portugal is exploring the possibility of establishing an electrical interconnection with Morocco. This strategic consideration follows Spain's existing connection with the North African nation and arises in response to a recent massive blackout that underscored the Peninsula’s energy vulnerabilities.
During meetings in Brussels on Wednesday, Portuguese Environment and Energy Minister Maria da Graça Carvalho articulated this potential shift. “In the case of Portugal and Spain, the most logical and rational interconnection is with France,” Carvalho acknowledged. “But we are also considering an interconnection with Morocco.”
The formal inquiry, delivered alongside Spanish counterpart Sara Aagesen to EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen, seeks political and financial backing for connections to France. It calls for the swift integration of the Iberian Peninsula into the EU energy framework. Currently, interconnection levels between Iberia and France stand at a mere 2.84%, falling short of EU targets of 10% by 2020 and 15% by 2030.
Carvalho emphasized the need for collaboration: “We want France, because of this incident, to recognize the advantages of interconnectedness for all.” She has proposed a trilateral meeting involving France, Spain, and Portugal, facilitated by the European Commission.
However, France's enthusiasm for expanding energy interconnections appears limited. Carvalho noted that previous plans for two Pyrenees connections have been postponed indefinitely. “There exists an agreement, but there have been successive delays,” she stated, reflecting frustration over the stalling progress.
In contrast, the alternative connection to Morocco presents its own challenges. “It would be more expensive due to distance and because it would be a submarine connection,” Carvalho explained. Yet, it remains a strategic option, with existing agreements aimed at bolstering electrical cooperation across the Mediterranean.
The urgency of this matter is heightened by Portugal’s slower recovery from the April 28 blackout. Carvalho remarked, “The lack of those connections made the recovery process slower.” Strengthened ties with France could have expedited recovery efforts and facilitated quicker resumption of power to Portugal.
During the blackout crisis, Morocco demonstrated its commitment by mobilizing 38% of its production capacity to assist Spain through existing submarine cables. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez publicly expressed gratitude for Morocco’s swift support, highlighting the effectiveness of their energy interconnections.
“Electricity has been restored in some regions thanks to the interconnections with France and Morocco,” Sánchez noted, emphasizing the solidarity among these nations during critical times.
Typically, Morocco imports 778 megawatts from Spain but reversed this flow during the crisis, sending 519 megawatts northward. Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares praised Morocco for its crucial assistance, reaffirming the strength of bilateral relations.
The existing connection operates through two submarine lines, with a combined capacity of 1,400 megawatts, and plans for a third cable to add 700 megawatts by 2026. This infrastructure is a testament to decades of cooperation.
As investigations into the blackout proceed, initial suspicions point towards southern Spain, particularly Andalusia. While experts consider the possibility of cyberattacks, they remain skeptical of this theory. The investigation will also assess the roles of renewable energy and grid management systems in the incident.
Portugal insists on a thorough and rapid investigation, advocating for findings within six months rather than adhering to the standard legal timeframe. The severity of the blackout demands expeditious conclusions, Carvalho argues, to prevent future occurrences and ensure energy security.