The interconnection will run under the Strait of Gibraltar and the contract will include the expansion of existing terminals on either side of the channel. Interested companies are required to submit prequalification proposals by 30 January.

Spain and Morocco established the first sub-Mediterranean, 350-MW interconnection in 1998 to export power generated at the Jorf Lasfar plant. The two signed an agreement in September 2000 to study a further link (MEED 22:1:99).

In November, Red Electrica signed a protocol agreement with Algeria's state power company, Sonelgaz, to jointly operate a subsea cable intended to export Algerian power to Spain as part of the North African republic's landmark 2,000-MW private power project (MEED 7:12:01).