Selling the sun

From gas deals with Algeria to investment in Libyan oil exploration, Europe is increasingly looking across the Mediterranean to the Maghreb to fulfill its energy needs. In addition to holding vast untapped hydrocarbon reserves that will enable Europe to diversify its import mix, the region also has strong potential for electricity generation. Bilateral energy trade continues to expand with Tunisia, Morocco and Algeria agreeing to integrate their electricity markets with that of the European Union. A deal was inked at the Arab Maghreb Union–EU Council of Energy Ministers in June for a five-year program to harmonize the regulatory frameworks for their electricity markets, as well as foster technology exchanges from the EU to the Maghreb and develop more renewable energy sources in Africa. “Building a regional electricity market will form a base for fruitful cooperation between the two sides of the Mediterranean,” Algerian Energy Minister Yousef Yousfi said at the