North African power could be Europe’s next energy lever

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For decades, Europe’s energy relationship with North Africa has centered primarily on hydrocarbons – Algerian pipeline gas, Libyan oil and LNG shipments from the Mediterranean basin. At the same time, another energy link is gaining momentum: electricity.

With growing renewable capacity, expanding transmission networks and new cross-Mediterranean interconnectors under development, North Africa’s power sector is emerging as a strategic complement to Europe’s energy system.

The trend is already visible in major infrastructure projects linking the two regions. The ELMED interconnector, a planned high-voltage subsea cable connecting Tunisia to Sicily, will allow bidirectional electricity flows between the African and European grids when it comes online later this decade. The project will transmit up to 600 MW of power through a 220-km cable, helping integrate North African electricity markets with Europe and enabling exports when surplus generation is available.

If the current wave of interconnectors and regional grid initiatives succeeds, the Mediterranean may soon carry not only pipelines and LNG tankers – but high-voltage power as well.

Source: Solargis