A new Greenpeace report has accused European countries of exploiting North Africa’s renewable energy resources to meet their own climate goals, while leaving Morocco and Egypt dependent on fossil fuels and suffering environmental consequences.
Both countries have emerged as key players in Europe’s energy diversification strategy, thanks to their abundant solar and wind potential and strategic location south of the Mediterranean. However, Greenpeace argues that European-backed renewable energy projects designed for export to Europe are undermining local decarbonization efforts, displacing communities, and consuming vast amounts of freshwater—all while Morocco and Egypt remain net importers of fossil fuels.
The Cost of Europe’s Energy Transition
The report highlights a troubling paradox: while European countries promote their use of “clean” energy, Morocco and Egypt continue buying large amounts of oil and gas to meet domestic energy demands. Greenpeace claims this dynamic has locked North African nations into an unsustainable energy model, prioritizing exports over local needs. 
In Egypt, European energy companies invested billions after the Ukraine war to tap into its natural gas reserves, filling the gap left by Russian supplies. But overdrilling and environmental mismanagement have led to soil erosion, water contamination, and pollution, with little benefit for local communities, according to Greenpeace. Meanwhile, to free up more gas for export to Europe, Egypt has increased its reliance on highly polluting fuels like mazut, a toxic blend of heavy hydrocarbons.
In Morocco, energy deals with European giants like TotalEnergies have led to major green hydrogen projects aimed exclusively at overseas markets. TotalEnergies alone has committed $10.6 billion to a hydrogen and ammonia plant in Guelmim-Oued Noun, set to begin production in 2027. Germany has also pledged €300 million for hydrogen facilities—again, with Europe as the primary beneficiary.
Greenwashing or Global Cooperation?
While the Greenpeace report criticizes European nations for “greenwashing” their economies at the expense of North African sustainability, some international think tanks argue that foreign investment is essential for North Africa’s clean energy growth.
The Atlantic Council has suggested that with strong policies and strategic partnerships, Egypt could become a global clean energy hub. However, Greenpeace’s Hanen Keskes warns that Europe must reduce its own energy consumption and invest in domestic renewable capacity, rather than shifting socio-environmental costs onto the Global South.
As North African nations grapple with the environmental impact of these projects and remain reliant on fossil fuel imports, the question remains: is Europe truly supporting a sustainable transition, or simply outsourcing its emissions problem?
