The Xlinks project, of impressive scale with an estimated investment of £22 billion, was recently the subject of particular attention in the columns of the British newspaper The Times. This project aims to supply the United Kingdom with electricity from Morocco’s renewable energies, notably solar and wind, thanks to a record length submarine cable. If it sees the light of day, it could transform Britain’s energy supplies and contribute significantly to the green transition.
In statements to The Times, Sir Lewis Dave, chairman of the board of Xlinks and former chief executive of Tesco, explained the ambition behind this innovative project. The main idea is to combine solar and wind power produced in the Tan-Tan province in south-west Morocco to provide the UK with reliable, renewable energy for 19 hours a day. “When the sun does not shine, the wind blows, thus guaranteeing continuity in electricity production”says Sir Lewis Dave.
However, Sir Lewis Dave points out that implementing the Xlinks project is not without challenges. The solar and wind power plant will cover an area equivalent to that of London, and the electricity produced will be transported by four submarine cables over a distance of 3,800 kilometers. However, he insists that all the technology used is proven: “there is no technological risk”he says, specifying that the challenge lies in the scale of the connection between Morocco and the United Kingdom.
The expected benefits are colossal. Once fully operational, Xlinks could provide 3.6GW of electricity, around 8% of the UK’s energy needs, powering almost seven million homes. This renewable energy would not only help reduce the UK’s dependence on fossil fuels, but also lower electricity prices.
The UK government has recognized the strategic importance of Xlinks, calling it “project of national importance”. This recognition made it possible to speed up administrative procedures and attract renowned partners, such as TotalEnergies and Octopus Energy, as well as institutional investors such as the UK Infrastructure Bank, which recently injected 20 million pounds for the construction of a high voltage cable factory in Scotland.
One of the next challenges for Xlinks, according to Sir Lewis Dave, will be to enter into a “contract for difference” (CFD) with the UK government, guaranteeing a fixed price for the electricity produced. This would make it possible to secure the financing necessary for the complete realization of the project.
In addition to the benefits for the United Kingdom, this project could also offer great economic prospects for Morocco. It is expected to create around 10,000 jobs during the construction phase and an additional 2,000 jobs once operational. Additionally, Morocco could strengthen its position as a leader in clean energy exports, demonstrating its potential to become a key player in the field of renewable energy, writes The Times.
