Portugal And Morocco Revive Cross-Border Power Link To Strengthen Europe’s Energy Security

Portugal and Morocco have revived plans to develop a cross-border electricity interconnection, marking an important step toward improving energy security and strengthening power system resilience between Europe and North Africa. The move comes after the widespread blackout in April 2025 that affected Spain and Portugal, disrupting transport networks, communication systems, and other essential services while highlighting the vulnerabilities of the Iberian Peninsula’s electricity grid.

The decision was announced following a high-level meeting in Lisbon between Portugal’s Minister of Environment and Energy, Maria da Graça Carvalho, and Morocco’s Minister of Energy Transition, Leila Benali. During the meeting, both countries agreed to jointly request the European Commission to classify the proposed electricity interconnector as an Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI). This designation would allow the project to qualify for European Union financial support while also encouraging private sector investment.

The proposed interconnection is expected to improve electricity security for Portugal, which currently relies solely on Spain for cross-border electricity trade. A direct connection with Morocco would provide an additional source of electricity during emergencies, helping improve grid reliability and reduce the risks associated with major power disruptions.

Although Europe has continued investing in electricity infrastructure, the Iberian Peninsula remains one of the least connected regions within the European power market. Cross-border electricity transmission capacity currently represents only about 3% of the region’s total generation capacity, well below the European Union’s target of reaching 15% by 2030. The planned Portugal-Morocco link is therefore viewed as an important project to strengthen regional energy integration.

To move the project forward, Portugal and Morocco are pursuing both public and private financing options. The two governments plan to seek funding through the European Union’s Connecting Europe Facility while also engaging electricity transmission operators and utility companies to assess commercial interest. Officials have not yet decided whether the project will involve constructing an entirely new subsea electricity cable between Portugal and Morocco or use part of the existing submarine infrastructure connecting Morocco and Spain through the Strait of Gibraltar.

The project also reflects Morocco’s growing importance as a renewable energy partner for Europe. Morocco remains the only African country directly connected to Europe’s main electricity grid through two subsea interconnectors with Spain, capable of transmitting up to 1,400 MW of electricity. Over the past decade, the country has invested heavily in renewable energy, including the Noor Ouarzazate Solar Complex, one of the world’s largest concentrated solar power projects. With a target of generating more than 50% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030, Morocco is expected to play an increasingly significant role in supporting Europe’s clean energy transition, improving grid flexibility, and enhancing long-term energy security.