The Morocco-UK power link project, spearheaded by Xlinks, has seen significant progress as UK officials devoted a substantial 9,500 hours during the first half of this year to advance the initiative.
The project aims to supply 8% of the UK’s electricity needs through a high-voltage direct current (HVDC) subsea cable connected to onshore renewable sources in Morocco.
Upon completion, this ambitious venture is predicted to provide clean and renewable power to as many as seven million homes in the UK, making a significant contribution to the nation’s green energy goals.
Simon Morrish, Chief Executive Officer of Xlinks, expressed his gratitude for the UK Government’s crucial support, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in realizing the ambition to supply British households with secure, affordable, and eco-friendly energy amidst the growing climate crisis.
“The dedicated team at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero have been working tirelessly to progress the granting of a Contract for Difference for Xlinks, investing over 9,500 hours in the first six months of this year to assess and advance the project through an ongoing business case process,” said Morrish.
“We are very grateful for the time and dedication the UK Government is committing to this project, which offers a key solution in accelerating the country’s transition to clean sources of power,” he added.
In a significant milestone for the project, the North Ayrshire Council Planning Committee recently granted full planning permission for the UK’s first High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) subsea cable factory.
This factory will play a crucial role in producing vital components to connect solar and wind power generation in the Sahara region to the UK, enabling the efficient transfer of renewable energy.