On Tuesday, October 18, the European Union and Morocco inked a “green partnership” agreement that they hope will strengthen collaboration on renewable energy.
The country in the sun-drenched region of North Africa is attempting to provide alternatives for European countries trying to wean themselves off fossil fuels, whose costs have skyrocketed as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The agreement was signed on Tuesday in Rabat by the deputy president of the European Commission, Frans Timmermans, and the ambassador-in-chief of Morocco, Nasser Bourita.
It aims to create “sustainable growth that reflects today’s challenges”, he added.
According to Bourita, “the harsh worldwide reality has demonstrated that when it comes to energy, reliability and only reliability counts, both in Europe and in North Africa.”
The comments, which make reference to Russia’s decision to restrict gas shipments to Europe in what is believed to be revenge for Western sanctions, came just after neighboring Algeria stopped sending gas to Spain via a pipeline that crosses Moroccan territory.
A protracted supply agreement ended at the same time as a diplomatic conflict with Rabat.
With private sector participation, the agreement of understanding signed on Tuesday is expected to increase collaboration on energy and the battle against climate change.
“It aims to foster the transition to a decarbonised industry through investment in green technology, renewable energy production, sustainable mobility and clean production in industry,” it reads.
Morocco developed an energy strategy in 2009 with the goal of raising the proportion of renewable energy sources in the nation’s energy mix from the current fifth to over 52%.
The nation is the EU’s top trading partner on the continent of Africa and has a coastline that is only 15 kilometres from Spain’s mainland.