Inter-connection of Mediterranean electric grids will be completed soon

The connection of Mediterranean electric grids will be completed soon as the Moroccan, Algerian and Tunisian networks were connected in 1988 while those of Egypt and Libya are already connected and Libya and Tunisia are connecting their networks.

The statement was made by Driss Benhima, general manager of the Moroccan state electricity board "ONE" and chairman of the Maghreban Electricity Committee "COMELEC" which held its 2nd conference in Casablanca.

Benhima added that Mauritania will join the inter-connection later while the connection of the Moroccan and Spanish networks is already operational. He explained that although the ONE is able to ensure self-sufficiency, Morocco is importing, for commercial reasons, Spanish electricity conveyed by a sub-marine cable, launched in 1998.

Regarding the use of gas in electricity production, he said a plant is currently being built in Tahddart (near Tangiers) to provide for 80% of Morocco's consumption.

COMELEC was set up in 1978 as a permanent framework for expertise exchange and cooperation among north African electricity companies.