Morocco's Ambitious Plan for an Electric Highway to the Sahara

In a significant move to enhance its infrastructure and achieve sustainable development, Morocco is embarking on a major project to construct an electric highway connecting the northern parts of the country to the Sahara region. This initiative comes on the heels of the completion of the Atlantic port of Dakhla, a key project that is expected to attract a large number of industrial investments to the southern regions.

The Need for Reliable Energy Supply

The new port of Dakhla is poised to become a hub for industrial activities, but these industries require substantial and continuous electricity supplies. To meet this demand, Morocco is focusing on improving its electricity infrastructure, particularly in the southern regions. The proposed electric highway aims to transport electricity generated from renewable sources in the south to the central and northern parts of the country.

Project Details and Competing Companies

The project involves the construction of a high-voltage power transmission line that will span approximately 1,400 kilometers. This line will have the capacity to transmit up to 3 gigawatts of electricity, with half of this capacity expected to be operational by 2026 and the full capacity by 2028[4].

Five international companies are vying for the contract to develop and maintain this project:

Competing Companies:

1. GE Vernova – United States
2. Siemens Energy – Germany
3. Power China SEPCO1 – China
4. TBEA – China
5. Larsen & Toubro – India

The selected company will be responsible for developing, financing, and operating the project under a 30-year contract. The tender process is currently underway, with the prequalification of candidates set to be announced by the end of February 2024, and the final selection expected in the second half of 2024[4].

Importance of the Project

Economic and Industrial Growth

The electric highway is a crucial component of Morocco's strategy to attract industrial investments to the southern regions. By ensuring a stable and reliable supply of electricity, Morocco aims to create a conducive environment for industries, thereby driving economic growth and job creation.

Renewable Energy and Sustainability

The project aligns with Morocco's commitment to renewable energy. The electricity to be transmitted will be generated from solar and wind power plants located in the Sahara region. This initiative is part of Morocco's broader goal to increase the share of renewable energy in its energy mix to 52% by 2030[5].

Geopolitical Implications

The project also has significant geopolitical implications. Morocco's efforts to develop renewable energy projects in the disputed Western Sahara region have been contentious. Critics argue that these projects reinforce Morocco's control over the territory and undermine the rights of the Sahrawi people to self-determination. Despite these concerns, Morocco continues to push forward with its plans, highlighting the economic and energy benefits of these projects[3][4].

Technical and Environmental Considerations

The project will involve the installation of high-voltage transmission lines, possibly using both high voltage direct current (HVDC) and high voltage alternate current (HVAC) technologies. The initial technical studies suggest that the transmission line will pass through several cities, including Ouled Lekraa, El Aaiún, Tan Tan, Agadir, Marrakech, and Chemaia, before reaching the 400 kV substation in Mediouna near Casablanca[4].

However, the project also raises environmental and social concerns. The large-scale renewable energy projects in the Sahara region consume vast areas of land, affecting desert ecosystems and the traditional grazing lands of nomadic communities. The construction of these projects often involves the creation of militarized zones, which can disrupt the routes used by local villagers and consume scarce water resources[3].

Challenges and Controversies

The electric highway project is not without its challenges and controversies. The tender has been criticized by human rights groups, who argue that companies bidding on the project would be complicit in Morocco's illegal occupation of Western Sahara. Western Sahara Resource Watch has urged companies to avoid participating in the tender, citing the detrimental impact on the UN peace process and the rights of the Sahrawi people[4].

Additionally, the project's dependency on international funding and support adds another layer of complexity. For instance, the African Development Bank has clarified that it only finances projects north of the border, avoiding any direct involvement in Western Sahara[4].

Conclusion

Morocco's electric highway project is a significant step towards enhancing its energy infrastructure and promoting sustainable development. While the project offers numerous economic and environmental benefits, it also raises important questions about the geopolitical and social implications of such large-scale energy projects in disputed territories. As the project moves forward, it will be crucial to address these concerns and ensure that the benefits are shared equitably among all stakeholders.

Key Points:

• Project Scope: 1,400 km high-voltage power transmission line from the Sahara region to central Morocco.
• Capacity: 3 gigawatts of electricity, with half operational by 2026 and full capacity by 2028.
• Competing Companies: GE Vernova, Siemens Energy, Power China SEPCO1, TBEA, and Larsen & Toubro.
• Renewable Energy: Electricity generated from solar and wind power plants in the Sahara region.
• Geopolitical Implications: Controversies surrounding the development of projects in the disputed Western Sahara region.
• Environmental and Social Concerns: Impact on desert ecosystems, nomadic communities, and local resources.

As Morocco continues to invest in renewable energy and expand its infrastructure, it must navigate these complexities to ensure that its development goals are achieved