Connecting Europe and Africa through innovation and sustainability
The Project
The project at a glance
Energy Transfer
4.2 GW of solar energy transferred from Morocco to Europe.
Energy Production
Construction of new photovoltaic (PV) farms, alongside additional energy storage capacity in Morocco, with the aim of achieving 8.5 GW by final project completion.
Data Transfer
State-of-the-art undersea fiber-optic cable, with planned capacity of up to 300 Terabits per second (Tbps).
Coming Soon
Construction is expected to begin in 2026.
The new capacity created during Phase One of this project is equivalent to:
Powering 1.4 million homes per year with sustainable electricity
Providing high-speed internet to over 62 million households
Transferring the entire contents of Netflix’s global library (estimated at around 3 petabytes) in 4 minutes
homes powered per year with sustainable electricity
vehicles provided with yearly charge
vehicles provided with yearly charge
Geographic Advantages
The two continents of Europe and Africa are separated by only 7.7 nautical miles (14.2 kilometers, 8.9 miles) at the narrowest point in the Strait of Gibraltar, providing strong geographic advantages for the project.
Environmental Advantages
The project employs best practices in cable laying to minimize environmental disruption.
Careful planning and routing of subsea cables is essential to avoid sensitive marine ecosystems. Techniques such as burying cables beneath the seabed and using environmentally friendly materials helps to reduce the impact on marine life. Continuous monitoring and maintenance will ensure that the cables do not adversely affect the marine environment over time.
Milestones and Timeline
First Phase Funding
First phase of the project has been secured and is fully funded.
Stakeholder Engagement
NPEC is engaging with relevant authorities and impacted nations to execute fully funded plans by December 2024.
Licensing & Approvals
Completion of all necessary permits and authorizations by November 2025
Launch
Expected in 2026
Our Impact
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 2020, Morocco had a renewable energy capacity of 3.45 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.
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 Plant in Morocco. The project will also require substantial investment in infrastructure, technology, and renewable energy, fostering innovation and economic growth.
Why a Dual Energy/Data Project?
Combining energy and data transfer in a single undersea cable project offers significant advantages and synergies. By integrating both capabilities, the project can leverage shared infrastructure, reducing overall costs and minimizing environmental impact. This dual-purpose approach enhances the resilience and reliability of the infrastructure.
By combining energy and data transfer, the project maximizes the benefits of both infrastructures, creating a sustainable and efficient solution for the future. With the rise of AI and all-electric innovations, the integration of advanced technologies ensures that the project meets the growing demands for renewable energy and digital connectivity, delivering substantial economic, social, and environmental benefits for Europe and Africa.
Morocco’s abundant renewable energy resources, economic resilience, skilled workforce, strategic location, and commitment to sustainable development makes 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, especially as the cost of solar panels continues to decline year after year.
According to a 2024 report by the International Renewable Energy Agency Morocco had a renewable energy capacity of 4.105 GW in 2023, among the top five largest in Africa.
Source: Masen 2020
Battery Storage
Morocco’s ambition to drive the transition towards renewable energy sources, is set against a backdrop of plans to encourage investment into energy storage and battery facilities. This storage capacity is critical, helping to optimize energy use and maintain grid stability through providing a buffer against fluctuations in energy supply and demand.
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 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.
Why a combined Energy/Data project?
Combining energy and data transfer in a single undersea cable project offers significant advantages and synergies. By integrating both capabilities, the project can leverage shared infrastructure, reducing overall costs and minimizing environmental impact. This approach enhances the resilience and reliability of the infrastructure.
With the rise of AI and all-electric innovations, the integration of advanced technologies ensures that the project meets the growing demands for renewable energy and digital connectivity, delivering substantial economic, social, and environmental benefits for Europe and Africa.
The Northern Pillar Energy Consortium has partnered with KX Power.
The Northern Pillar Energy Consortium has partnered with KX Power, a leading developer and asset manager of utility scale energy storage and flexibility technology with a robust renewable energy project portfolio in the UK.