Portugal and Spain Collaborate with France on European Energy Interconnections
In a significant move to strengthen energy cooperation, Portugal and Spain have announced their intention to jointly participate in negotiations with France concerning energy interconnections. This decision was underscored during a recent meeting between the two nations' environment ministers, who argued that energy interconnectivity is a European challenge, not merely an issue confined to the Iberian Peninsula. Maria da Graça Carvalho, Portugal's Minister of Environment and Energy, emphasized the necessity of addressing this matter at a European level, particularly in light of the ongoing energy crisis exacerbated by geopolitical tensions.
During the press conference in Lisbon, Carvalho and her Spanish counterpart, Teresa Ribera, reiterated that efficient energy interconnections are essential for the functioning of the European energy market. They expressed their commitment to advocating for enhanced connections when engaging with the European Commission, notably during upcoming discussions with President Ursula von der Leyen.
Ribera reflected on the limitations faced during the recent energy crisis, which left Spain and Portugal unable to provide assistance to other European nations due to inadequate interconnections. To address this, both countries are working on expanding interconnection capacity, particularly in the northern regions, and developing projects that will facilitate better integration of the Iberian electricity market (MIBEL) with the rest of Europe.
Plans are also in motion for a gas pipeline linking Barcelona and Marseille, aimed at enhancing energy transport between the Iberian Peninsula and France. This project, dubbed "BARMAR," is projected to be completed within five to seven years.
Furthermore, an agreement between Portugal, Spain, and France was reached in late 2022 to establish new routes for transporting green hydrogen—an essential step toward a sustainable energy future. These initiatives reflect a collaborative effort to bolster energy security across Europe and reinforce the interconnectedness of its markets.
