Our Impact
The Project
Morocco’s abundant renewable energy resources, economic resilience, skilled workforce, strategic location, and commitment to sustainable development make it an ideal partner for the Northern Pillar Energy Consortium project.
Renewable Energy Capabilities
Morocco is a leader in renewable energy development, consistently ranked among the top three most attractive markets for renewables investment globally. The country has vast wind, water, and solar resources, making it an optimal location for renewable energy projects as the cost of solar panels continues to decline year after year. As of the start of 2024 Morocco has a renewable energy capacity of 4.105 gigawatts, with ambitious targets to reach 52% of power generation from green sources by 2030 and 80% by 2050. The Noor Ouarzazate complex, the largest concentrated solar power plant in the world, exemplifies Morocco’s commitment to renewable energy.
Source: Masen 2020
Green Energy Ecosystem
Morocco’s green energy ecosystem is dynamic and multifaceted, incorporating renewable energy into major sectors of the economy. The country is rapidly developing international renewable energy export supply chains, including green hydrogen, phosphates, and electric vehicles. This ecosystem not only supports local energy needs but also positions Morocco as a key exporter of green energy and related technologies.
Ideal Economic and Policy Environment
Morocco’s energy policies are designed to support its ambitious renewable energy goals and ensure energy security. Its attention to export continues to strengthen, with a current account surplus and strong foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows, particularly in green industries. Key policies include the National Energy Strategy, launched in 2009, which aims to diversify energy sources, increase the share of renewables, and improve energy efficiency. The strategy sets targets for renewable energy to account for 52% of installed capacity by 2030. The Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy (MASEN) has been established to oversee renewable energy projects. The government has also established a supportive regulatory framework to attract investment in renewable energy.
Gibraltar’s strategic location and commitment to sustainability make it the ideal partner for this project.
Commitment to the Project and Renewable Energy
Gibraltar is committed to enhancing its energy efficiency and integrating renewable energy sources into its energy mix. The government has implemented various initiatives to reduce energy consumption and promote sustainability, including the National Energy Efficiency Action Plan. These efforts align with the broader goals of the North Pillar Energy Consortium project, which aims to provide clean, renewable energy to the region. Gibraltar is committed to this project and has also confirmed interest in purchasing up to 10% of the electricity supplied through the subsea cable.
Existing Cable and Technology Hub
Gibraltar’s strategic location and advanced telecommunications infrastructure make it a proven and valuable hub for undersea cable networks. As a key landing point for several major submarine cables, including the Europe India Gateway (EIG), FLAG Europe-Asia (FEA), and GLO-1, Gibraltar has established itself as a critical node in the global telecommunications network. These existing cables provide high-capacity connectivity between Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, demonstrating Gibraltar’s capability and experience in managing complex, high-demand digital infrastructure.
The North Pillar Energy Consortium’s fibre-optic cable will leverage this robust foundation to further enhance digital connectivity between Europe and Africa, delivering high-speed internet and data services that support the region’s economic growth and digital inclusion.
Ideal regulatory and economic framework
As a British Overseas Territory, Gibraltar benefits from a supportive regulatory environment and a robust legal framework. The government’s proactive approach to economic development and investment attraction further enhances Gibraltar’s suitability for the project.
The project is poised to deliver substantial economic and social benefits to Morocco, the European Union, and United Kingdom.
Energy security and cost savings
By interconnecting the European and Moroccan electricity grids, the project will enhance the stability and reliability of energy supplies. This will, in turn, allow for electricity sharing during peak demand hours or in the event of localized disruptions, reducing the risk of blackouts and ensuring a consistent energy supply. The ability to exchange surplus renewable energy across regions will help stabilize energy prices and reduces reliance on polluting fossil fuels. Moreover, as the cost of renewable energy production continues to decrease, these energies will be less affected by market volatility compared to oil and gas.This translates to lower electricity prices for consumers and businesses.
Sustainability and decarbonization
By facilitating the transmission of renewable energy from Morocco, which enjoys an abundance of solar resources, to Europe, the project will propel the use of clean energy and support the decarbonization of the energy sector. This cross-border energy exchange will help reduce reliance on fossil fuels, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, promoting a sustainable energy future in integrating renewable energy sources into the grid. Subsea cables enable cross-border power exchange between countries, allowing regions with abundant renewable resources to supply energy to areas with less capacity, optimizing the use of green energy. Europe faces unprecedented challenges on energy supply that demand immediate and decisive action. Rising geopolitical tensions coupled with the global shift away from fossil fuels underscore the urgent need for Europe to secure affordable, sustainable and resilient energy sources. The European Union (EU) has set ambitious targets to boost its renewable energy capacity. The world’s second largest economy aims to secure 42.5% of its supply from renewables by 2030 – with an ambition to eventually reach 45% – in order to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions.
Source: European Environment Agency
Social and digital inclusion
The improved digital connectivity provided by subsea data cables will enhance access to essential services and promote social inclusion. Enhanced internet and data communication infrastructure will support global trade, business operations, and digital economies, creating jobs and expanding markets. Additionally, the project addresses critical data needs to help bridge the digital and economic divide between Europe and Africa, enhancing global Internet infrastructure and helping communities which have historically been underserviced with regard to internet connectivity.
Economic development
A reduction in energy costs can lead to significant savings for industries, enhancing their competitiveness and supporting economic growth. Furthermore, the installation and maintenance of subsea cables will generate significant employment opportunities, employing up to 9,000 people across construction, engineering, manufacturing, and subsea operation, stimulating local economies in all three localities. This includes 5,000 jobs for the construction of the Photovoltaic Plants in Morocco. The project will also require substantial investment in infrastructure, technology, and renewable energy, fostering innovation and economic growth.
The project is poised to deliver substantial economic and social benefits to Morocco, the European Union, and United Kingdom.
Advancing European Sustainability & Decarbonization
Europe faces unprecedented challenges on energy supply that demands immediate and decisive action.
The European Union has also set ambitious targets to boost its renewable energy capacity. The world’s second largest economy aims to secure 42.5% of its supply from renewables by 2030 – with an ambition to eventually reach 45% – in order to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions.
By unlocking new sources of renewable energy, the project will further support the decarbonization of the energy sector across the region.
Source: European Environment Agency
Unlocking The Economic Potential of Morocco and Europe
Job creation
The installation and maintenance of subsea cables will generate significant employment opportunities, employing thousands of people across all three localities. This will include in construction, engineering, manufacturing, and subsea operations. This includes 5,000 jobs for the construction of the Photovoltaic Plants in Morocco.
Fostering Innovation and Technological Advancement
The project will contribute to the integration of new technologies across borders, facilitating access to new markets for innovation. It will support the growth of the digital economy, including cloud computing and artificial intelligence, while also supporting the growth of renewable energy technologies and smart grids.
Digital Transformation
The data transmission will help catalyze digital transformation, unlocking new economic opportunities and harnessing the developmental potential of connected countries. This will support the Government of Morocco’s ambition to become the no.1 African country on the E-Government Development Index by 2030.
Morocco aspires to drastically improve its ranking in the United Nations Online Services Index by 2030.
Promoting Regional Energy Security & Efficiency
Rising geopolitical tension, coupled with the global shift away from fossil fuels, underscores the urgent need for Europe to secure affordable, sustainable and resilient energy sources.
By interconnecting the European and Moroccan electricity grids,the project will enhance the stability and reliability of energy supplies. In turn, this will allow for electricity sharing during peak demand hours and, in the event of localized disruptions, reduce the risk of blackouts.
The ability to exchange surplus renewable energy across regions will help stabilize energy prices and reduce reliance on polluting fossil fuels.
Moreover, as the cost of renewable energy production continues to decrease, these energies will be less affected by market volatility compared to oil and gas. This translates to lower electricity prices for consumers and businesses.
Bridging the Digital Divide Between Continents
The improved digital connectivity provided by the subsea data cable will enhance access to essential services and promote social inclusion.
Enhanced internet and data communication infrastructure will support global trade, business operations, and digital economies, creating jobs and expanding markets.
Additionally, the project addresses critical data needs to help bridge the digital and economic divide between Europe and Africa, enhancing global internet infrastructure and helping communities which have historically been underserviced with regard to internet connectivity.
Building a Resilient and Secure Data Infrastructure
Securing Clean Networks
The cable will significantly contribute to efforts to enhance national security through clean networks, safeguard civilian privacy, and protect businesses’ most sensitive information from aggressive intrusion by malicious actors.
Infrastructure Resilience
The cable will provide a stable data transmission route and redundancy capability, offering and alternative pathway in the event of a disruption. The preservation of continuous data flows is critical for industries that rely on secure and reliable data transmission, contributing to a better connected global digital ecosystem.
Enhanced Data Security
The project significantly enhances data security by providing robust and reliable subsea cables, ensuring secure and uninterrupted communication between Europe and Africa. Designed with advanced security to protect data from cyber threats, the project minimizes the risks of data breaches and ensures the integrity of information exchanges.