Energy project stays out of Western Sahara

The big European energy project Desertec has announced it will not invest in occupied Western Sahara for "reputational reasons".

Published 25 April 2010

For a long time, the Desertec project considered entering into Western Sahara. 

"We want to confirm… officially that our reference projects will not be located in the West Sahara", a spokesperson of Desertec told The Guardian

"Although they had not yet settled on a location, they would not be building in the occupied territory of Western Sahara for "reputational reasons"", wrote The Guardian. 

The Germany-based Society for Threatened People had protested the investment. Western Sahara is under Moroccan occupation. 
 

SRI update

The following overview enlists stock-exchange registered companies currently operating in Western Sahara. Updated 30 April 2024.

30 April 2024

Dirty green energy on occupied land

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22 April 2024

EU Court adviser confirms separate and distinct status of Western Sahara

The Advocate General of the EU’s top Court backs the legal status of the people of Western Sahara. Final Judgment expected in a few months. 

21 March 2024

EU Court adviser: fruit from Western Sahara should not be labelled as from Morocco

Labelling those products as originating in the Kingdom of Morocco instead of originating in Western Sahara breaches EU law, the Advocate General of the EU Court of Justice concludes.

21 March 2024