By Ukumbi Afrika |
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Rabat — On Wednesday, July 22, 2026,a proposed $30 billion renewable energy project linking Morocco and Germany through what would become the world’s longest intercontinental undersea power cable has stalled as both countries disagree over governance arrangements and long-term guarantees.
The Sila Atlantik project aims to transmit renewable electricity generated from Moroccan solar and wind farms to Germany via two 4,800-kilometre high-voltage subsea cables, supplying up to 5% of Germany’s annual electricity demand.
According to sources familiar with the negotiations, Morocco is seeking a formal intergovernmental agreement endorsed by Berlin to guarantee long-term state support. Rabat is also pushing for the cable to allow two-way electricity flows, rather than functioning solely as an export route to Germany.
The project follows the collapse of the earlier Morocco-UK Xlinks proposal and is seen as a strategic effort to strengthen Europe’s energy security while expanding Morocco’s role as a renewable energy hub.
Although discussions continue, Moroccan authorities have yet to allocate the 150,000 hectares of land required for the project in the Guelmim-Oued Noun region.
Morocco already operates Africa’s only electricity interconnection with Europe through Spain and is also advancing new power link projects with Spain, Portugal and France.
Source: Reuters
Reporter: Ahmed Eljechtimi