Portugal and Morocco will ask the European Commission to consider a long-planned power interconnector between the two countries for EU funding. This joint effort, announced on Monday, also involves exploring private sector investment to finance the critical infrastructure project.
This renewed push for the interconnector follows a severe power blackout in Spain and Portugal in April 2025. That incident exposed the Iberian Peninsula's limited electricity links with the rest of Europe, highlighting a significant vulnerability in the region's energy supply. The proposed link, first studied in 2018, aims to address this deficiency.
The Iberian Peninsula currently has only 3% of its electricity capacity connected to neighbouring European countries. This figure falls significantly short of the European Union's 15% interconnection target for 2030. A direct power link with Morocco would strengthen energy security in Portugal, which is currently only connected to Spain. It would provide an additional source of power, crucial in the event of disruptions or increased demand.
Portugal's Energy Minister, Maria da Graca Carvalho, confirmed that Lisbon and Rabat agreed to present the power link as an Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI) to EC Executive Vice-President Teresa Ribera. Such a designation would unlock significant EU support and funding opportunities. Minister Carvalho stated that a new Europe-Africa electricity connection would enhance energy security and cooperation across both continents.
After meeting with Morocco's Energy Transition Minister, Leila Benali, Minister Carvalho told reporters, "We have decided to first talk with the EC to see its interest in considering this as an important European project." The two nations plan to pursue two funding avenues simultaneously. They will seek access to the EU's Connecting Europe funding facility while also gauging investor interest through a private-sector expression-of-interest process from grid operators and utilities.
Minister Carvalho emphasized the goal of avoiding excessive burdens on consumers. She stated, "We don't want to overcharge our contributors or our consumers." Minister Benali echoed this sentiment, explaining that the two countries aim "to ensure that we decrease costs, especially the affordability of energy access" for their populations and various industries. This focus on cost reduction underscores the economic benefits anticipated from the project.
The exact technical details of the project are still under consideration. Minister Carvalho noted it is too early to determine if the project will involve a direct subsea cable between Portugal and Morocco. An alternative option is to utilize existing infrastructure via Spain, which already has an electricity interconnection with the North African country. The decision will likely depend on technical feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and environmental impact assessments.
This initiative reflects a broader trend towards strengthening regional energy grids and diversifying power sources. For Ghana, a similar focus on robust infrastructure and diversified energy supply is crucial for sustained economic growth and stability. Reliable energy access underpins industrial development and improves the quality of life for citizens, making such international collaborations a model for future energy security efforts.