Morocco tests a France cable option to export renewables and bypass Spain, report says

Morocco is exploring a new undersea electricity cable that would connect its northern coast directly to France, bypassing Spain, according to Africa Intelligence.

The project, called Qantara Med, is part of Morocco’s strategy to export renewable energy to Europe and strengthen its role as a regional energy hub.

The proposed cable would link the Nador area to a French port, carrying electricity generated from Morocco’s abundant solar and wind resources.

The project is led by the British company Xlinks, which has established a French subsidiary, Elemental Power, to manage the route.

Originally, the project aimed to connect Morocco with the United Kingdom through a 3,800-kilometer undersea cable.

That plan was abandoned after London prioritized domestic energy security and raised concerns over high costs, prompting Xlinks to redirect its strategy toward France.

Morocco has emerged as a major player in renewable energy over the past decade, investing in large-scale solar and wind projects, including the Noor Ouarzazate Solar Complex, which is among the world’s largest solar facilities.

By exporting green electricity to Europe, the country aims to leverage its desert and coastal resources while fostering regional energy integration.

Direct Morocco-France link could diminish Spain’s traditional role as a transit and energy hub between Africa and Europe.

The new route may reshape energy flows and provide France with a more direct supply of renewable power, aligning with the EU’s growing focus on clean energy imports.

The Qantara Med project is still in the feasibility stage, with no construction timeline announced.

Approval from European grid operators, environmental assessments, and financing will be crucial before the cable becomes operational.

If realized, the initiative would reinforce Morocco’s ambition to become a central exporter of clean energy, complementing existing electricity trade with Spain and planned partnerships with Portugal and West African nations.