Morocco features in UK energy strategy plan as electricity supplier

The project consisting in shipping electricity from Morocco to the UK led by Xlinks has featured in the UK’ s government energy security plan, dubbed Powering UP Britain.

The policy paper sets out interest in the Xlinks project, a proposed large scale onshore wind, solar and battery electricity generation site in Morocco that would exclusively supply power to the GB grid via high voltage direct current subsea cables.

“The Government is interested in the Xlinks project, a proposed large scale onshore wind, solar and battery electricity generation site in Morocco that would exclusively supply power to the GB grid via high voltage direct current subsea cables,” reads the document.

“The Government is considering – without commitment – the viability and merits of the proposal to understand if it could contribute to the UK’s energy security,” it said.

“The UK’s energy security is a vital national interest. So too, however, is the urgent need to stick to the Government’s 2035 net zero electricity system target and avoid short-term thinking that may derail the transition to clean, abundant sources of energy,” comments Simon Morrish, Xlinks CEO.

“Therefore, we welcome the Government’s determination to work with Xlinks to implement our renewable energy venture. This first-of-its-kind Xlinks Morocco – UK Power Project will meet up to 8% of the UK’s electricity demand with renewable energy, reducing consumer bills and adding to security of supply in the process,” he said.

The project is estimated to cost $22 billion. Xlinks will construct 7 GW of solar and 3.5 GW of wind, along with onsite 20GWh/5GW battery storage, in Morocco.