North Africa’s electricity sector is emerging as a potential strategic energy supplier to Europe, as new interconnections and grid expansion projects gain momentum alongside existing hydrocarbon exports.
For decades, Europe’s energy imports from North Africa have focused on gas and oil. Now, regional electricity networks, growing renewable capacity, and cross-Mediterranean interconnectors are creating opportunities for power trade. According to Energy Capital & Power, the ELMED subsea cable, linking Tunisia to Sicily, could transmit up to 600 MW, enabling bidirectional electricity flows between the African and European grids when operational later this decade.
Libya, with significant gas resources and existing power-generation capacity, is exploring regional grid integration with Algeria and Tunisia, potentially forming a North African electricity corridor capable of supplying European markets, Energy Capital & Power reports.
“Electricity trade can complement LNG exports, providing low-carbon power and reducing market volatility,” said Dr. Abdulsalam Elansari, Chairman of the Renewable Energy Authority of Libya.
Analysts note that while electricity exports are at an early stage, the combination of gas, solar potential, and geographic proximity positions North Africa as a growing player in Europe’s energy diversification and decarbonization efforts.
The developments are expected to feature prominently at the upcoming Invest in African Energy Forum in Paris on April 22–23, 2026, where governments, utilities, and investors will assess emerging cross-border opportunities, Energy Capital & Power said.
