Spain and Morocco's Electrical Link: Bridging Two Continents Underwater

Spain and Morocco have shared a unique connection since 1997, one that runs deep beneath the Strait of Gibraltar. While discussions about a potential tunnel dominate headlines, an existing submarine electrical interconnection quietly underscores a history of cooperation between Europe and Africa.

The Western Mediterranean Electrical Reinforcement (REMO) project is a remarkable example of engineering ingenuity and strategic partnership. This link not only serves as the only submarine electrical connection between two continents but also fortifies energy security and supports sustainable development across the Mediterranean region.

A Cross-Continental Achievement

The interconnection began operations in 1997 with a capacity of 700 megawatts, connecting Tarifa, Spain, to Fardioua, Morocco. Responding to growing energy demands, a second line was added in 2006, doubling the capacity to 1,400 MW. Managed jointly by Spain’s Red Eléctrica de España (REE) and Morocco’s Office National de l’Électricité (ONE), this infrastructure ensures mutual energy reliability and resilience.

The project comprises three submarine cables spanning 29 kilometers under the Strait of Gibraltar, reaching depths of up to 620 meters. The €115 million investment was shared equally between Spain and Morocco, with financial support from institutions like the European Investment Bank and the African Development Bank.

Environmental and Technical Precision

The project required seven years of rigorous studies to finalize its cable route and address technical and environmental concerns. Near coastal areas, cables are buried or shielded by concrete to minimize ecological disruptions and ensure compatibility with maritime activities. Extensive measures were taken to protect marine life, including the preservation of the Cymodocea nodosa, a protected seagrass species critical to the local ecosystem.

Energy Exchange and Sustainability

Statistics highlight the interconnection's impact: between 2000 and 2004, Spain exported over 8 million megawatt-hours (MWh) of energy to Morocco while importing minimal amounts. By 2005, these figures had increased significantly, reflecting the importance of this link in meeting Morocco’s growing energy needs.

The cables operate on a three-phase alternating current system at 50 Hz, with a nominal voltage of 400 kV. The total length, including underground extensions, reaches 31.3 kilometers, incorporating single-core fluid-filled cables and two fiber optic lines.

A Gateway to Regional Progress

Beyond its technical feats, the REMO project reinforces Morocco’s role as a bridge between Europe and Africa. It contributes to the Mediterranean electrical ring, a larger initiative aimed at fostering regional energy integration and sustainability.

As global energy challenges persist, this interconnection exemplifies how strategic partnerships can pave the way for a greener, more interconnected future, linking not just power grids but the aspirations of two continents.