Morocco and France have discussed the potential contribution of nuclear energy to the energy transition, as the two countries explore opportunities to deepen cooperation across the energy sector.
Morocco’s Minister of Energy, Mines and Sustainable Development, Charafat Afailal, received French Ambassador Philippe Lalliot on November 2, 2026, for discussions on strategic energy priorities and prospects for bilateral cooperation.
The French delegation also included Vincent Berger, France’s High Commissioner for Atomic Energy, and Dr Nidhal Ouerfelli, Head of Partnerships at the French High Commission for Atomic Energy.
According to the ministry’s statement, the meeting provided an opportunity to exchange views on strategic directions aimed at strengthening the place of nuclear energy among the options available to support the energy transition. The two sides also considered opportunities to reinforce Moroccan–French cooperation in energy.
Nuclear Energy Among the Options Under Discussion
The discussions positioned nuclear energy as one of several possible pathways to support the energy transition. The ministry’s wording pointed to an exchange on strategic choices, with no announcement of a specific nuclear power project or a decision to proceed with construction.
That distinction is central to the meeting’s significance. While the talks indicate interest in examining nuclear energy’s potential role, the statement did not set out a proposed capacity, technology choice, financing structure or development schedule.
It also did not specify whether subsequent cooperation would focus on research, technical exchanges, institutional support or assessments of potential energy applications. Any such measures would require further announcements to establish their scope.
The participation of France’s High Commissioner for Atomic Energy and its head of partnerships brought representatives with a dedicated nuclear energy remit into the bilateral dialogue. Their involvement gave the meeting a specific focus on nuclear issues alongside the wider discussion of energy cooperation.
Scope for a Broader Energy Partnership
Beyond the nuclear discussion, the meeting addressed the outlook for stronger cooperation between Morocco and France across the energy sector. The ministry did not identify individual programmes or agreements, leaving the practical direction of that cooperation open.
The meeting’s stated agenda linked consideration of nuclear energy with the broader question of how international partnerships can support the energy transition. For Morocco, the exchange provided a forum to discuss potential energy choices with French counterparts; for both sides, it offered an opportunity to consider how their cooperation could develop.
The announcement remained focused on dialogue and strategic perspectives. It did not report the signing of a memorandum of understanding, the creation of a joint working group or the adoption of a formal implementation roadmap.
For now, the meeting signals that nuclear energy is part of the Moroccan–French conversation on the energy transition. Further details will be needed to determine whether those discussions lead to defined technical cooperation or a more substantial programme of joint work.
