Plans for a Direct Undersea Electrical Connection
Morocco and France are currently examining the potential of establishing a direct undersea electrical connection beneath the Mediterranean Sea. This proposed cable aims to transport renewable electricity generated in Morocco directly to the French electrical grid, eliminating the need to route through Spanish interconnections. The initiative was announced during the 15th high-level Franco-Moroccan meeting held on July 16 in Rabat, where officials launched a call for expressions of interest. This move is intended to identify the technical and commercial solutions necessary for a direct electrical link between the two countries.
However, it is crucial to note that this step does not confirm the construction of the cable. It serves primarily as a means to gauge interest from investors, energy companies, infrastructure managers, and financing bodies to assess the project's feasibility. One of the proposals under consideration includes a high-voltage direct current underwater connection between Nador in Morocco and Fos-sur-Mer in southern France. This route could extend approximately 1,300 kilometers and traverse sections of the Mediterranean that are nearly 2,800 meters deep, with a theoretical capacity of up to 2,000 megawatts. Nonetheless, these specifications have yet to be finalized by the involved governments.
A Strategic New Route Bypassing Spain
The strategic importance of this project lies in its direct nature. Currently, Morocco is connected to the European electrical grid through two undersea cables linked to Spain. Establishing a connection with France would provide Morocco with additional access to the continental market without routing its electricity through the Spanish network. This new corridor wouldn’t replace the existing connections but would diversify the trading routes, thereby reducing reliance on a single passage and allowing for the circumvention of certain bottlenecks between the Iberian Peninsula and the rest of Europe.
Furthermore, the cable could be designed to operate bidirectionally, enabling Morocco to export electricity during periods of abundant solar or wind production while also permitting imports when domestic demand or market conditions require it. However, the available documentation primarily emphasizes Moroccan exports to France. An earlier estimate provided by the French grid operator, RTE, suggested that the average cost of the project might be around €6.2 billion, with potential variations ranging from €4.4 billion to €9.4 billion depending on the route, cable prices, conversion stations, and challenges encountered on the seabed. It is important to clarify that this is not an official budget.
Before any investment decision is made, geological, seismic, and environmental studies will be necessary. Developers will also need to define the financing model, electricity transportation pricing, and the risk-sharing arrangements between public and private stakeholders. To sustainably support this connection, Morocco will likely need to build new solar and wind power plants, enhance its storage capacities, and strengthen its national grid. The kingdom aims to achieve a 52% share of renewable energy in its installed electrical capacity by 2030.
Ultimately, this project could provide Moroccan producers with a long-term outlet to the European market and attract new investments. For France, it would represent an additional source of low-carbon electricity. However, no immediate commissioning is anticipated, as large undersea electrical cables typically require several years for studies, permits, financing, and construction. Thus, the call for expressions of interest marks a significant initial step forward, yet the electrical bridge between Morocco and France remains far from becoming a reality.
As reported by bladi.net.
