Morocco, Mauritania poised to expand cooperation in electricity, renewable energy; envision an electric interconnection

Morocco and Mauritania are poised to expand their cooperation in the fields of electricity and renewable energy and to explore the establishment of an electric interconnection between the two countries under a memorandum of understanding signed in Rabat on Thursday.

The MoU also provides for intensifying the exchange of expertise in electrical safety, implementing projects in the electrification of rural areas, promoting clean energy initiatives, and harmonizing electrical standards between the two countries.

Besides, the deal covers the exchange of expertise, technologies, and best practices in network management and energy security, as well as the strengthening of human capacities through joint training programs.

The agreement seeks to contribute to energy security, diversify sources of supply, and explore the establishment of an electric interconnection project that would stabilize networks and improve electricity supply.

Morocco’s Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, Leila Benali, who initialed the MoU along her Mauritanian counterpart, Mohamed Ould Khaled, emphasized that this agreement marks the beginning of a new phase of cooperation between the two ministries, as well as between the institutions of the public and private sectors of the two countries.

The two neighboring countries have valuable assets that can drive projects promoting sustainable development and regional integration, and consolidating Africa’s position in the global economy, she said in a statement to the media.

The Mauritanian minister emphasized that the agreement reflects the privileged, brotherly ties between the two countries, aiming to fulfill the aspirations the two Heads of State, King Mohammed VI and President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani.

Ould Khaled, who is on a working visit, highlighted the two countries’ enormous potential, which enables them to position themselves as leaders in the field of renewable energy and electricity.

Discussions between the two parties also tackled major strategic projects such as the Morocco-Nigeria gas pipeline, as well as renewable energy projects, particularly in the green hydrogen sector.