Spanish Energy Minister has ‘positive’ response to Morocco’s gas import request

Spain confirmed it will export liquefied gas to Morocco through the Maghreb Europe pipeline (GME), according to the Iberian Ministry of Ecological Transition.

The repurposing of the GME pipeline, which ceased to be operational on November 1, 2021, has been confirmed by the Spanish Ministry of Ecological Transition, who told Europa Press that the government responded “positively” to Morocco’s request.

Teresa Ribera, Minister for Ecological Transition in Spain, clarified that “with total transparency, Morocco will be able to acquire LNG through international markets, unload it in some peninsular regasification plant and use the Maghreb gas pipeline to reach its territory,” says Europa Press.

The Spanish government has taken yet another step in its efforts to overcome the diplomatic crisis with Morocco, and has agreed to the Kingdom’s request to help it guarantee its energy security through the regasification of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG).

The news, initially reported by American news outlet Bloomberg in an exclusive confirmation from Moroccan Minister of Energy Leila Benali, coincided with statements from Spanish President, Pedro Sánchez, who assured the existence of “a very positive relationship” with Morocco while on an official visit to the United Arab Emirates.

Rabat proposed building a portable regasification plant in the port of Mohamedía, near Casablanca. But while it continues to be built and made ready for operation, Morocco needs to ensure a supply of energy that no longer arrives from Algeria. Spain is one of the more favorable alternatives available considering its proximity and energy production means.

The gas Morocco received from its eastern neighbor provided at least 10% of Moroccan electricity consumption, although some international sources set the figure at 17%.

Although the gas bill will now be higher than the one from direct LNG Algerian flows, Morocco’s dependence on gas is “justifying” the cost to the government, who have since turned to the country’s coal to quench the Kingdom’s tenth power need.