Germany Bets on Moroccan Electricity: Official Support for the Giant “Sila Atlantik” Project
The German government has announced its official support for the “Sila Atlantik” project, aimed at transmitting electricity generated from renewable sources in Morocco to Germany via an underwater cable stretching 4,800 kilometers. This initiative strengthens the energy partnership between Rabat and Berlin and revitalizes continental electricity interconnection projects.
German media, including the Handelsblatt, revealed that the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy has shown significant interest in the initiative, noting its vast potential and strategic nature. German Economic Secretary Frank Wetzel sent a message to Moroccan Investment Minister Karim Zidan, expressing his country’s welcome of the project and affirming that German support reflects confidence in its feasibility and ability to enhance energy security in Europe.
The project focuses on developing solar and wind energy stations in Morocco with a capacity of up to 15 gigawatts, enabling the export of about 26 terawatt-hours of electricity annually, equating to approximately five percent of Germany’s consumption. Energy will be transmitted through a high-voltage DC underwater cable along European coasts, passing through Portugal, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands before reaching Germany, supported by a battery storage system that provides over 20 hours of clean electricity daily to enhance grid stability.
Expected investments range between 30 and 40 billion euros, positioning the project as one of the largest renewable energy initiatives in Europe in terms of cost and strategic impact. Major German companies like E.ON and Uniper are participating, while Deutsche Bahn has expressed readiness to utilize electricity imported from Morocco as part of its plan to rely entirely on renewable energies by 2038.
The project faces challenges related to obtaining permits from countries through whose waters the cable will pass, along with supply chain constraints regarding cables and turbines. Its planners are considering establishing a cable manufacturing facility in Germany to secure supplies and reduce reliance on external vendors.
“Sila Atlantik” is part of broader efforts to enhance energy cooperation between Morocco and Germany, especially after a similar project aimed at the United Kingdom faced setbacks. It also benefits from the significant reduction in the cost of renewable energy production and technological advancements in underwater electricity transmission, with input from experts at major European energy companies to ensure technical and operational readiness.
Germany’s support for the initiative signals Berlin’s commitment to bolstering its energy security and accelerating the transition to clean energy, while cementing Morocco’s position as a strategic supplier of renewable energy and a key partner in the European energy transition.
