Morocco will invest 815 million euros to expand its gas network and strengthen its connections with Europe

Morocco is taking a new step towards energy independence with an investment of more than 815 million euros that will serve to advance the completion of the country's most important gas pipeline project, the Maghreb-Europe gas pipeline. 

This was announced by Morocco's Minister for Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, Leila Benali, in a parliamentary session in which she detailed the investment in response to an oral question on the development of the natural gas sector in the House of Representatives. ‘More than 23 government institutions are working with full commitment and synergy to strengthen national energy sovereignty,’ said the minister. 

The budget announced by the minister includes the refurbishment of infrastructure considered strategic that will link the Nador West Med terminal with the GME, and the extension of more than 120 kilometres to connect the economic centres of Mohammedia and Kenitra. The first works are expected to be completed by 23 July.

Of the 815 million euros, 213 million euros will be allocated to the refurbishment of facilities near the port of Nador West Med, and 602 million euros to connections with the city of Mohammedia and Kenitra. ‘A real boost to scientific research focused on renewable energies cannot be achieved without sustainable financing,’ added Leila Benali. 

However, this investment is not the only one that will help boost the country's gas infrastructure. In collaboration with the Ministry of Water Equipment and the National Office for Electricity and Drinking Water, the Ministry of Energy Transition has access to a national budget of more than 11 billion euros that Morocco is allocating to ensure that 52% of its energy comes from renewable sources by 2030. 

‘The programme seeks to increase the use of natural gas as a low-carbon transition energy source that contributes to the integration of renewable energies and ensures the flexibility and stability of the electricity grid,’ she concluded. 

Finally, this project is expected to add more than 15GW of energy to the national electricity grid, of which 85%, or around 13GW, will be produced from renewable energies. 

In addition, the natural gas terminals are expected to move 500 million cubic metres of gas, equivalent to 45% of the country's annual consumption. This means that Morocco will have more than half of its LNG available for export, a milestone that could further strengthen the North African country's ties with Europe, whose LNG needs are increasing every year.