The Renewable Energy Revolution in North Africa: A Gateway to Europe’s Green Future
The desert sun beats down mercilessly on the vast, dusty plains of Tunisia and Algeria . At first sight, they appear to be barren expanses, yet they hold the potential to transform into a mosaic of wind turbines , solar fields , and powerful batteries capable of generating enough electricity to power millions of homes across Europe. This energy would not just be for local towns; it would traverse the Mediterranean via submarine cables, lighting up homes, factories, and trains on the European mainland. The European Union has set forth a bold vision: the path to its energy transition will extend beyond its borders, drawing significantly from North African resources.
A Priority List for Renewable Energy Projects. The European Commission has recently updated its list of cross-border renewable energy projects , incorporating five new plans that will enjoy preferential financing from the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) , alongside greater international visibility. Among these initiatives, one project stands out: Medlink , which encapsulates the EU’s new energy strategy.
According to documents cited by Bloomberg , Medlink aims to install 10 GW of wind and solar energy capacity combined with storage systems in Tunisia and Algeria. Electricity generated will travel through two high-voltage marine cables to Italy , boasting an annual capacity of 28 TWh , sufficient to meet about 8% of Italy’s electrical demand. This transformative project, promoted by the Italian company ZHERO , holds the promise of expansion to supply energy to Austria , Germany , and Switzerland starting in 2030.
The criteria for inclusion on this list stipulates that projects must involve at least two EU member states or a member state in collaboration with a third country. With this update, a total of thirteen initiatives now exist in this special category, showcasing Europe’s commitment to expanding its renewable energy horizons.
<img alt="The price of copper reached maximum for a tariff that was not. The result: the biggest fall in almost 40 years" width="375" height="142" src="https://i.blogs.es/33839e/guia-de-imagenes-destacadas-1-/375_142.png"/>Other Key Players in Motion. The push for renewable energy is not just limited to Tunisia and Algeria. Morocco aims to ensure that renewable sources will account for 52% of its installed capacity by 2030, facilitating six green hydrogen megaprojects . Involved partners include Spanish firms like Acciona and Cepsa , alongside European, Arab, Chinese, and American giants. These initiatives aim to produce more than just hydrogen ; they will also yield ammonia, steel, and green industrial fuels for both international markets and Europe.
Meanwhile, Egypt has successfully attracted billions in European investments for solar, wind, and green hydrogen facilities, most of the output destined for export. However, a report by The Guardian from Greenpeace warns that this strategy may inhibit local decarbonization, keeping Egypt tethered to imported fossil fuels like mazut, which is notoriously environmentally damaging.
Additionally, an underwater interconnection project known as Themed is advancing, aiming to connect Tunisia and Italy with a capacity of 600 MW , independent of Medlink and focused on hydroelectric energy. Slated for 2028, this project has garnered financing from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development , the Green Climate Fund , and the German Development Bank .
The Broader Implications. In Brussels, these initiatives are viewed as a dual strategy: accelerating the green transition while simultaneously reducing dependency on Russian gas, a situation exacerbated by the geopolitical landscape following the invasion of Ukraine. Italy positions itself as a renewable energy conduit to northern Europe, while countries such as Spain revive key energy relations, including a pricing agreement between Naturgy and Algeria’s Sonatrach, valid until 2027.
The European Commission asserts that these connections and megaprojects are “essential to meet the objectives of the European Green Pact and reinforce energy security” amid global uncertainities.
Critics Raise Red Flags. However, this ambitious plan has sparked criticism. Green advocates, including Greenpeace , have brought attention to the potential socio-environmental costs that may be shifted to nations in the Global South. Concerns include the intensive use of water in arid regions, community displacements, and prioritizing European energy demands over local development. Hanen Keskes, who leads campaigns for the organization in the Middle East and North Africa, stated, “The global north must assume its responsibility and build domestic renewable capacity, instead of outsourcing costs to the global south.”
Looking Towards the Immediate Future. The EU has set an ambitious goal of importing 10 million tons of renewable hydrogen by 2030. Morocco positions itself as a potential major exporter, alongside Algeria and Egypt, indicating a broader trend extending throughout North Africa.
In the evolving landscape of European energy, the southern Mediterranean is no longer merely a border. High-voltage cables will soon link sun-drenched deserts with bustling industrial cities. This unprecedented opportunity to accelerate decarbonization across the continent will require vigilance to ensure that the benefits are shared equitably, lest those who dwell under the sun be left in the shadows of the very light they generate.
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