Infrastructure key to leverage “great potential” of Europe-MENA energy cooperation – econ minister

Electricity connectors and pipelines are crucial to leverage the potential of closer cooperation on energy and climate between Europe and the Middle-East and North Africa (MENA) region, said German economy minister Robert Habeck ahead of a conference in Greece. “Cooperation between Europe and the MENA region has great potential for both sides: economically, in terms of energy supply and climate protection,” Habeck said.

The governments of Greece and Germany jointly invite policymakers from countries like Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Israel, as well as businesses and other stakeholders to the second MENA-Europe Future Energy Dialogue on 8 September in Thessaloniki. At the conference, countries are aiming to get a better sense of the status of key infrastructure projects which require the most urgent attention, said Habeck.

The MENA region is seen as a key supplier of clean energy sources for Europe in the future, over good conditions for solar electricity production for example. Renewable electricity can also be used to produce green hydrogen through electrolysis and sent to the EU through pipelines across the Mediterranean. There are some existing gas pipelines and electricity cable connections from EU countries to the region. Italy had made energy cooperation with Africa a key focus of its current G7 presidency and the country aims to become an energy hub in the Mediterranean.