Morocco-uk power project confirmed as nationally significant
- The Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero has confirmed that the Morocco-UK Power Project is of national significance and will require development consent.
- The change would mean the project falls under the Planning Act 2008, requiring a Development Consent Order from the Government rather than planning permission from the local authority.
- Xlinks will carry out a further round of consultation on its plans before applying for a Development Consent Order next year.
The Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero has confirmed that proposals by Xlinks, a private renewable energy company headquartered in the UK, to connect 3.6GW of low-cost, reliable, renewable power from Morocco to the Great British electricity grid is of national significance.
Projects designated as nationally significant by government require development consent to be granted by the relevant Secretary of State through a Development Consent Order. They follow a strict legal process with fixed timescales set out in the Planning Act 2008, which requires projects to carry out public consultation and undergo an independent examination.
The confirmation that the project is nationally significant means Xlinks will need to carry out further consultation with local authorities, statutory bodies and the community before applying to the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero for planning permission. This consultation is expected to take place next year.
Simon Morrish, CEO, Xlinks said:
“This is a major milestone for our project, which provides certainty and clarity over the legal process and timescales for consenting the project. The decision reflects the real difference that our project can make to the country’s climate commitments and energy security.
Our next step will be to consult further with the community to meet the requirements of the Planning Act 2008. We are looking forward to another opportunity to discuss our proposals with people living in the area and will share more details of this later in the year.”
Moroccan earthquake emergency
We are deeply saddened by the news of the recent earthquake in Morocco and are monitoring developments closely.
Whilst we are comforted that our team and their loved ones are safe, our thoughts are with all those affected. We continue to offer support to our team and will help where needed.
Xlinks seeks national planning route for ground-breaking renewable energy connection plan
- Xlinks has asked the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero to confirm that the Morocco-UK Power Project is a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project.
- The change would mean the project falls under the Planning Act 2008, requiring a Development Consent Order from the Government rather than planning permission from the local authority.
- If the request is granted, Xlinks will carry out a further round of consultation on its plans before applying for a Development Consent Order.
Xlinks has asked the Government to confirm that its plans to connect 3.6GW of low-cost, reliable, renewable power from Morocco to the Great British electricity grid qualify as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project.
Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects, often known as NSIPs, are major infrastructure projects that require development consent to be granted by the relevant Secretary of State through a Development Consent Order. They follow a strict legal process with fixed timescales set out in the Planning Act 2008, which requires projects to carry out public consultation and undergo an independent examination.
Should the Government agree that the project qualifies as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project, Xlinks will need to apply to the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero for planning permission, rather than the local council. A response to the request is expected within 28 days.
Nigel Williams, Project Director, HVDC Transmission, Xlinks said:
“Our project will make a real difference to the country’s climate commitments and energy security. The proposed change in planning process recognises this: there is a fixed, legal process for seeking a Development Consent Order, which provides certainty and clarity for all involved."
“Local feedback has been really important in shaping our plans to date. Should the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero grant our request, we’ll carry out another round of consultation - not only is it a requirement under the Planning Act 2008, but we welcome the opportunity to discuss our proposals with local people again and answer any questions they may still have.”
As temperature records tumble and climate concerns rise, Xlinks, working with UK Government, is developing part of the solution
Concern is reported to be growing from the scientific community about the seemingly accelerating climate crisis following a series of freak weather events around the world in recent weeks.
Several climate records have been broken so far this summer and the ongoing heatwave in Europe indicates there may be more to come. Southern Europe has been breaking heat records daily and the world experienced its hottest day ever recorded in July, with the average global temperature topping 17C for the first time, breaking the global average temperature record set in 2016.
In June, temperatures off the west coast of Ireland were between 4C and 5C above average, which the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration classified as a category 5 heatwave, or "beyond extreme". More widely, the average global ocean temperature has smashed records for May, June and July. It is approaching the highest sea surface temperature ever recorded. The area covered by sea-ice in the Antarctic is also at record lows for July. There is an area around 10 times the size of the UK missing, compared with the 1981-2010 average.
Studies are underway to unpick the exact link between these events and climate change, but scientists already fear some worst-case climate change scenarios are unfolding.
Imperial College London climate science lecturer, Dr Paulo Ceppi, told the BBC: “The Earth is in uncharted territory now due to global warming from burning fossil fuels, as well as heat from the first El Niño - a warming natural weather system - since 2018.”
The need for clean power has not gone unnoticed by the public, with opinion polling placing renewable power sources as the most supported way of meeting our electricity needs. In government too, attention has turned to promoting the energy transition and its potential for economic growth, lower prices and reduced emissions.
Xlinks is working with the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero (DESNZ) to assess the viability and merits of the proposed Morocco - UK Power Project as part of the solution to the climate emergency.
Upon completion, the Project will supply 8% (3.6 GW) of the UK’s electricity needs from onshore renewable sources in Morocco via the world’s longest high-voltage direct current (HVDC) subsea cable. This first-of-its-kind venture will provide enough clean power for seven million homes as part of the UK’s leading role globally in the fight against climate change.
Simon Morrish, CEO of Xlinks, said: “The support of the UK Government is crucial in realising our ambition to supply British households with secure, affordable, and green energy in the face of the growing climate crisis.
The dedicated team at DESNZ have been working hard to progress the granting of a CfD for Xlinks and have invested more than 9,500 hours in the first 6 months of this year assessing and advancing the project through a Business Case process that is ongoing. We are very grateful for the time and dedication the UK Government is committing to this project which provides a key solution in accelerating the country’s transition to clean sources of power.”
Bloomberg | Moving Saharan Sunshine to Europe via Undersea Cables
Simon Morrish, CEO, discusses with Bloomberg how Xlinks will be the first of many projects as the world realises the enormous benefits of transmitting electric power long distances.
The Daily Telegraph | The African nation that could be the world’s first renewables superpower
Leila Benali, the Moroccan energy transition minister discusses with the Daily Telegraph, Morocco’s renewable ambitions and the part that Xlinks can play in the race to Net Zero.
IMAGE CREDIT: JULIAN SIMMONDS
Just Have a Think | Revolutionising Power Transmission
Host David Borlace of the YouTube channel Just Have a Think speaks about revolutionising power transmission, featuring the Xlinks Morocco - UK Power Project and critical manufacturing of HVDC cable from companies such as XLCC.
Xlinks’ first-of-a-kind renewable energy project secures backing from TAQA and Octopus Energy
- TAQA to invest GBP25 million (AED113 million) and Octopus GBP5 million (AED22 million) into Xlinks development phase.
- Upon completion by 2030, the project will supply 8% of the UK’s electricity needs from renewable sources in Morocco.
Xlinks First Limited has reached a critical early milestone with the successful closing of its new development funding round raising GBP30 million. The investment comes after securing GBP25 million (AED113 million) of investment from Abu Dhabi National Energy Company PJSC (TAQA), one of the largest listed integrated utility companies in the Middle East and North Africa region and GBP5 million (AED22 million) from global energy technology business, Octopus Energy Group.
With their investment, TAQA and Octopus are validating Xlinks’ plans to lay the world’s longest high-voltage direct current (HVDC) subsea cables between the UK and Morocco, passing Portugal, Spain and France as part of the Morocco – UK Power Project. It is a first-of-a-kind long-distance renewable energy generation and cross-border export project being planned globally, addressing the growing demand for firm power capacity.
Xlinks will supply the UK with 3.6GW of renewable energy-sourced electricity amounting to nearly 8% of the nation’s current requirements and enough to power seven million British homes by the end of the decade. The UK’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has established a dedicated team to work with Xlinks to consider the merits of the project and understand how it could contribute to the UK’s energy security.
The electricity will be generated in the Guelmim Oued Noun region of Morocco by a 10.5GW facility of solar and wind farms, supported by 20GWh/5GW of battery storage. The facility will be connected to the UK power grid in Devon, South West England, via four 3,800km subsea HVDC cables, which will be manufactured in the UK. This project will rely on the Moroccan renewable energy expertise whilst supporting its leading role globally in the fight against climate change and providing further value to its natural resources and reinforcing its renewable energy export strategy. The project will create around 10,000 jobs in Morocco during construction and lead to significant foreign direct investments in the country.
Simon Morrish, CEO of Xlinks, said: “Xlinks’ ambition is to supply British households with secure, affordable, and green energy all year round. With this investment and support from our partners TAQA and Octopus, along with the support received from both the UK and Moroccan Governments, we take another step toward achieving that ambition. The huge potential of the Morocco – UK Power Project will help the UK accelerate its transition to clean sources of power, increase energy security and reduce consumer bills.”
Jasim Husain Thabet, TAQA’s Group Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, commented: “As a champion of low carbon power and water, TAQA’s investment in the Xlinks project shows that we are serious about helping reduce emissions whilst maintaining the security of energy supply that societies depend on. We are already working on a large scale HVDC subsea project in Abu Dhabi, and we own and operate one of the world’s largest solar PV plants. This investment offers the chance to bring both our infrastructure and renewable power expertise to the table to benefit the UK and Morocco.”
Greg Jackson, CEO and founder of Octopus Energy Group, said: “This partnership between Xlinks, TAQA and Octopus enables us to drive forward one of the most visionary energy projects in the world. When people ask ‘how will you power heat pumps and electric cars when it’s not windy?’- this is a big part of the answer. This is a new global industry, and the UK and our partners can do it first, helping cement Britain as a leader in the transition to low-cost renewable energy - bringing down bills, powering industry and creating green jobs both in the UK and Morocco.”
Xlinks holds second public consultation on ground-breaking renewable energy connection plan
- Second round of public exhibitions to capture local views on proposed project enhancements.
- Following community feedback at first public exhibitions, project timeline was extended to enable work on enhancements.
- Proposals are a vital part of the Xlinks Morocco-UK Power Project, which aims to help lower consumer energy prices, bolster national energy security, and meet decarbonisation targets.
Xlinks, a private renewable energy company headquartered in the UK, today begins a second period of public consultation in Devon regarding its plans to connect 3.6GW of reliable renewable energy from Morocco to the GB electricity grid.
Xlinks’ Renewable Energy Development in Devon will seek to gain planning permission for 14km of underground High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) cabling, from landfall at Cornborough Range, and construction of a HVDC to High Voltage Alternating Current (HVAC) converter station site in close proximity to the existing National Grid substation located between Gammaton and Alverdiscott.
Having worked with National Grid to identify the optimal location to connect to the GB electricity grid, Xlinks has developed its plans in line with the rural character of North Devon. All cables will be installed underground, with land reinstated to its previous use. There will be no permanent infrastructure above-ground along the route.
Upon completion, the Xlinks Morocco-UK Power Project will be capable of meeting approximately 8% of Britain’s annual electricity demand, enough renewable energy to power over 7 million British homes.
Xlinks’ second round of public exhibitions in Devon seeks local views on the project enhancements being proposed following community feedback at its first public exhibitions held last year.
Firstly, the company proposes to relocate the converter station site to the old Webbery Showground. This site is closer to the existing National Grid substation and less disruptive to local residents, particularly during construction. Work is being undertaken to ensure that the site is also less visually intrusive and substantially screened from view.
Secondly, the company proposes an alternative route for the underground cable to avoid Abbotsham village. This takes the underground cable away from homes and schools.
Finally, further detail has been made available regarding the proposed construction methods and transport routes employed by the project. These align with the company’s intention to minimise potential disruption during construction, including on local roads.
The second period of public consultation runs from Monday 17th April 2023 until Wednesday 31st May 2023. All responses will be considered ahead of the submission of a full planning application to the Local Planning Authority in summer 2023.
The drop-in public exhibitions are open to all and are being held on:
- Wednesday 26th April 2023 from 12.30pm to 8.00pm at Huntshaw Parish Hall, Huntshaw, Devon, EX38 7HH
- Thursday 27th April 2023 from 12.30pm to 8.00pm at Alverdiscott Community Hall, Stoney Cross, Bideford, Devon, EX39 4PZ
- Wednesday 17th May 2023 from 12.30pm to 8.00pm at Caddsdown Business Support Centre, Caddsdown Industrial Park, Clovelly Road, Bideford, Devon, EX39 3DX
All exhibition material is also available to view online throughout the consultation period at www.xlinks.co/devon.
Nigel Williams, Project Director, HVDC Transmission, Xlinks said: "From day one of our work in Devon, we recognised the need for local input to help us shape our plans, minimise potential disruption during construction, and maximise benefit to the region.
“We were delighted that our first public exhibitions were so well attended and extended our project timeline to carefully consider, and then act upon, feedback from the local community. Consequently, we’ve made some key enhancements to our project proposals and look forward to discussing these at our second public exhibitions and throughout the course of this second round of public consultation.
“While our project can make a real difference to UK energy security and the pursuit of national decarbonisation targets, we consider it equally important to be a good neighbour to the local community and the natural environment, and to explore all opportunities to contribute to social and economic development in Devon.”
Xlinks named by UK Government as one of the forward look, investment options in Powering up Britain policy paper
- HMG is actively exploring the potential for international projects to provide clean, affordable and secure power.
- Government 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.
In a policy paper issued today by the UK Government, Powering Up Britain – Energy Security Plan, the UK Government announces it is considering the viability and merits of the Xlinks Morocco – UK Power Project to understand how it could contribute to the UK’s energy security.
The paper outlines the Governments blueprint for the future of energy in the UK, outlining how they will diversify energy production by investing in renewables to deliver energy, consumer, climate and economic security for the country.
“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.
Morrish continues, “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."
Importantly, the paper also outlines how Britain needs and benefits from importing energy, now and in the future, securing energy supplies built on diversified sources of supply and relationships with strong, trusted partners and allies such as Morocco.