Rabat – Spanish officials and media have been showering praise on Morocco for helping Spain resolve the massive blackout that affected the country this week.
News outlet AS is one of the many Spanish media organizations that highlighted Morocco’s crucial role in helping Spain recover after the massive blackout that affected tens of millions of people across the Iberian Peninsula.
The blackouts disrupted businesses, hospitals, transit systems, and cellular networks, among other critical infrastructure.
“In the recovery process to restore electrical normality, one country played a key role- Morocco,” As wrote, recalling Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s latest remarks expressing gratitude to Morocco for its essential help.
On Monday, Sanchez extended his heartfelt gratitude to Morocco, acknowledging its pivotal role in the recovery efforts to help the country restore power to the southern regions of Spain in the wake of the crisis.
Spanish reports stressed that Morocco has allocated 38% of its energy production capacity to help Spain during the crisis.
Cincodias El País echoed the same sentiment, noting that the Moroccan Office of Electricity and Drinking Water (ONEE) connected its grid with Spain via the two existing interconnection lines under the Strait of Gibraltar following a request from Spain’s Red Electrica Española.
El Periodico de la Energia also recalled Morocco’s aid following the blackout, noting that the electrical interconnection between the two countries helped Spain survive following the massive blackout.
The website noted that the energy infrastructure linking the two countries comprises seven underwater cables crossing the Strait of Gibraltar.
Other sources in Spanish media further highlighted Morocco’s mega energy projects, including the development of a liquefied natural gas terminal in the port of Nador to contribute to strengthening energy sovereignty.
Earlier this month, Minister of Energy Leila Benali announced Morocco’s interest in the development of national gas infrastructure, including the creation of the country’s first liquefied natural terminal at the port.
Benali said a gas pipeline network will be built to connect the new terminal to the Maghreb Europe Gas Pipeline.
The new infrastructure aims to supply existing and future power plants operated by ONEE as well as industrial zones extending to Kenitra and Mohammedia..
The project is part of Morocco’s efforts to boost its energy security and expand regional partnerships, Benali said, noting the critical interconnection between energy, water, and food security amid global geopolitical tensions and environmental pressures.
Morocco’s goal is to achieve at least 52% of installed energy capacity from renewable energy by 2030. Currently, the capacity has now reached 45%.
