Spain praises Morocco for vital blackout recovery support

Spain has expressed profound gratitude to Morocco for its significant assistance in resolving the massive blackout that recently afflicted the country, impacting tens of millions across the Iberian Peninsula.

In a week marked by widespread disruption to businesses, hospitals, transit systems, and cellular networks, Spanish officials and media have highlighted Morocco’s crucial role in the restoration of electrical services. Notably, the news outlet AS emphasized Morocco’s pivotal contribution during the recovery process, reflecting on Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s heartfelt acknowledgment of Morocco’s essential support.

On Monday, Sanchez publicly thanked Morocco, noting that the North African nation allocated an impressive 38% of its energy production capacity to aid in restoring power to southern regions of Spain after the crisis struck.

Further reinforcing this sentiment, outlets such as Cincodias El País reported that the Moroccan Office of Electricity and Drinking Water (ONEE) connected its grid to Spain through two existing interconnection lines beneath the Strait of Gibraltar, following a request from Spain’s Red Electrica Española. This electrical interconnection was vital in helping Spain navigate through the blackout.

El Periodico de la Energia echoed these reports, highlighting that the energy infrastructure linking the two nations, comprising seven underwater cables, was instrumental in facilitating Morocco’s support during the crisis.

In light of the blackout, Spanish media have also spotlighted Morocco’s ambitious energy projects, including plans for a liquefied natural gas terminal at the port of Nador, aimed at bolstering energy sovereignty. Minister of Energy Leila Benali recently announced Morocco’s commitment to developing its national gas infrastructure, which includes constructing a gas pipeline network to connect with the Maghreb Europe Gas Pipeline.

This new infrastructure is designed to supply existing and future power plants operated by ONEE, as well as industrial zones in Kenitra and Mohammedia. Benali highlighted the significance of this initiative within the broader context of enhancing energy security and fostering regional partnerships, particularly in light of global geopolitical tensions and environmental challenges.

Morocco aims to achieve at least 52% of its installed energy capacity from renewable sources by 2030, with current capacity already reaching 45%. This commitment underlines Morocco’s dedication to sustainable energy development and its role as a crucial player in regional energy dynamics.