Morocco's energy investments could reduce Spain's influence
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Bladi
Former Spanish official Manuel Argüelles says Morocco's energy investments could reduce Madrid's influence if tensions arise between the two countries. The 2026-2030 programme of the National Office of Electricity provides for 3,744 megawatts of new generation capacity, according to Manuel Argüelles, cited by Economía Digital.
Manuel Argüelles, former director-general of energy for Spain's Valencia region, believes Morocco's energy projects could reduce Madrid's influence during future diplomatic tensions, according to an opinion piece published on 1 November by Spanish media outlet Economía Digital. Spain exported 3,880 gigawatt hours of electricity to Morocco in 2025, nearly 8% of Moroccan demand, and also provides the kingdom with access to liquefied natural gas through its terminals and the Maghreb-Europe gas pipeline, used in the opposite direction.
The 2026-2030 programme of the National Office of Electricity (ONEE), confirmed by Morocco's Finance Ministry, provides for 3,744 megawatts of new gas-fired generation capacity. It forms part of an investment of 177 billion dirhams in the electricity sector, notably intended to support the development of renewable energy.
The planned liquefied natural gas terminal at Nador West Med could handle up to five billion cubic metres a year. According to Manuel Argüelles's analysis, the project would allow Morocco to import gas directly from international markets, without necessarily depending on Spanish terminals. Morocco and Portugal also resumed cooperation on electricity interconnections in July.
This development forms part of an energy relationship in which Spain also supplied Morocco with 161,000 tonnes of diesel in August, according to a report published on 24 October. Morocco's programme now provides for the development of national gas production and import capacity.
