France, Morocco Agree on Roadmap to Jumpstart Energy Cooperation

Doha – Morocco’s Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, Leila Benali, has held strategic discussions with her French counterpart in Paris to advance bilateral cooperation on major energy projects.

Benali met with Marc Ferracci during her working visit to Paris on Friday, with the pair pledging to strengthen energy cooperation between the two countries.

The meeting focused on accelerating their two countries’ partnership in renewable energy, electric interconnection, and low-carbon transition.

This high-level encounter builds upon Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to Morocco in October 2024, which the French president made at the invitation of King Mohammed VI.

That diplomatic milestone resulted in several major agreements, including an ambitious strategic partnership in energy, electrical interconnections, and low-carbon transition.

At the center of discussions was the innovative electrical interconnection project between France and Morocco. The bidirectional “off-grid” underwater connection requires installing a cable at unprecedented depths.

Both ministers reviewed the technical and regulatory steps needed to launch an international market test for this groundbreaking project.

Holding shared commitments

Industrial cooperation featured prominently in the talks. The ministers examined joint investment opportunities in renewable energy sectors, including cable manufacturing, solar and wind energy, battery production, and the development of strategic industrial components.

“Green molecules” such as hydrogen and ammonia were also on the agenda. Officials identified their potential use in land, air, and maritime transport, while calling attention to the need for coordinated industrial integration in these emerging sectors.

Both parties stressed the importance of collaborative research and innovation, particularly around cutting-edge technologies like energy storage, electrolyzers, and sustainable mobility. They shared a commitment to developing concrete and competitive solutions.

The meeting concluded with renewed political and institutional commitments from both countries. Their stated goal is to develop model projects that will contribute to energy sovereignty, industrial competitiveness, and climate transition acceleration.

This partnership aligns with the royal vision of establishing Morocco as a regional clean energy hub and a key player in the international climate response.