El Mundo Report Highlights Morocco’s Energy Dependence on Spain’s Gibraltar Power Link
The Spanish newspaper’s analysis examines the 29-kilometre electricity interconnection beneath the Strait of Gibraltar and asks whether it could become a source of geopolitical leverage during periods of tension between Madrid and Rabat
By Dr. Hana Saada
MADRID — An analytical report published by Spanish newspaper El Mundo has drawn attention to the electricity interconnection running beneath the Strait of Gibraltar, describing the 29-kilometre link as a strategic “umbilical cord” for Morocco’s power grid and raising questions about its vulnerability during periods of political tension between Madrid and Rabat.
The report appeared against the backdrop of renewed diplomatic and border tensions following migration flows towards Ceuta, and examined how infrastructure designed to promote energy cooperation could acquire geopolitical significance if relations between Spain and Morocco deteriorate.
According to the analysis, the REMO I and REMO II interconnections consist of two cables capable of transmitting up to 700 megawatts each. While technically designed to operate in both directions, electricity flows have remained overwhelmingly from Spain to Morocco, with data from Spain’s grid operator cited in the report showing net exports exceeding 3,743 GWh over the latest year.
El Mundo argued that the link can account for between 7% and 20% of Morocco’s electricity demand during peak periods, while also acting as a safeguard against wider grid disruption when domestic generation is under strain.
The newspaper’s analysis suggested that a significant reduction or suspension of electricity flows could place serious pressure on Morocco’s power system, potentially affecting industrial activity and major northern cities. It presented the interconnection as an example of how critical infrastructure can become a tool of political influence during diplomatic crises.
The report also highlighted Morocco’s broader challenge of reducing dependence on external infrastructure as it seeks to expand renewable-energy capacity and diversify its electricity system.
More broadly, the analysis reflects a wider debate over energy sovereignty in the western Mediterranean. It argues that when shared infrastructure becomes a subject of political bargaining, countries dependent on cross-border energy links face difficult questions about resilience, diversification and strategic autonomy.
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