France and Morocco seek electricity link to boost energy cooperation

France and Morocco have announced plans for a direct electricity interconnection project aimed at strengthening energy cooperation and expanding renewable electricity exports between Europe and North Africa, according to Reuters reports published on July 16.

Maghrebi.org cannot wholly verify Reuters reporting in Morocco as in recent years it has shifted away from old school reporting and holding the state to account to adopting the Moroccan media model of only reporting on matters which paint a rosy picture of the country.

The project will seek expressions of interest from companies capable of developing commercially viable methods to transport renewable electricity directly from Morocco to France. French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu described the initiative as part of broader efforts to integrate both countries into shared economic and industrial value chains.

“This project is one of the major economic initiatives that will create new synergies between our companies,” Lecornu  told reporters following a high-level Franco-Moroccan meeting in Rabat.

The announcement comes as Morocco continues to position itself as a leading renewable energy producer in Africa through significant investments in solar and wind power projects. Analysts say a direct electricity link could strengthen Europe’s energy security while opening new opportunities for Morocco’s growing green energy sector.

France and Morocco also signed cooperation agreements covering finance, civil aviation, education, culture and diplomacy during the meeting. The agreements form part of preparations for a future bilateral treaty expected to be signed during Moroccan King Mohammed VI’s forthcoming visit to France.

Relations between Paris and Rabat have improved significantly since France recognised Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara in 2024, ending years of diplomatic tensions between the two countries.

“I reaffirm here that this position is unwavering. It will not change,” Lecornu said, referring to France’s position on Western Sahara.

French officials also highlighted recent successes in security cooperation between both countries in combating organised crime and drug trafficking and revealed that negotiations are underway for a broader security agreement.

Energy experts have welcomed growing investment in electricity interconnections between Europe and North Africa, arguing that such projects could support renewable energy integration and improve grid resilience across the region.

Although details surrounding the project’s cost and timeline have yet to be announced, the initiative reflects deepening economic and diplomatic ties between France and Morocco and underscores Morocco’s ambitions to become a major exporter of renewable energy.

Reuters, Maghrebi.