As extreme heat increasingly strains Europe's electricity systems, France is looking to North Africa for solutions. During Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu's visit to Morocco on Thursday, the two countries spotlighted plans to explore an electricity link intended to deliver Moroccan renewable power to France, adding a new energy dimension to their expanding economic partnership that spans investments in transport, manufacturing and other sectors.

What happened: The proposed undersea electricity connector emerged as one of the most significant developments announced during the high-level visit to Morocco — Lecornu's first official trip abroad since taking office — and marked another sign that Paris is seeking to convert improving diplomatic ties with Rabat into a long-term strategic partnership.

Speaking with reporters, Lecornu described the proposal as an ambitious economic project ​that will "create new synergies between our companies and ​allow us to further integrate Morocco and France into ⁠shared value chains." According to a French document seen by Reuters, the initiative is intended to identify commercially viable ways of exporting renewable electricity generated in Morocco to France. The project was presented alongside a broader package of agreements covering areas spanning finance, aviation, rail transport, education and other areas.

The announcement builds on improving bilateral ties since France formally backed Morocco's autonomy plan for Western Sahara in 2024, easing years of diplomatic tensions. Since then, the two countries have expanded political, security and commercial cooperation. President Emmanuel Macron’s 2024 visit produced more than $11 billion in agreements spanning high-speed rail, renewable energy, infrastructure and industrial development.