Devon - Xlinks

Project summary

Xlinks’ Renewable Energy Development in Devon is a vital part of the plan to deliver a reliable source of low-cost renewable power from Morocco to the GB electricity grid, free from the environmental and weather constraints holding back UK-based generation.

The proposed onshore works in Devon comprise:

Approximately 14km of underground High Voltage Direct Current cabling, from landfall at Cornborough Range.
Construction of a HVDC to HVAC Converter Station site in close proximity (to the west) of the existing National Grid substation located between Gammaton and Alverdiscott.

Project update - September 2023

It’s been a few months since our previous public consultation on the Morocco-UK Power Project. We’ve been busy since then considering feedback from the consultation, continuing our environmental assessments, and developing our plans in more detail.

You may remember that we had originally planned to seek planning permission from Torridge District Council for the project. After careful consideration, we have come to the conclusion that it would be more appropriate to apply to the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero for a Development Consent Order (DCO).

This is because we believe the project is a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP). This is a type of project that needs a special type of planning permission through the DCO process. This reflects the major contribution that the project will make to the country’s climate commitments and energy security. The planning process for projects of this type is set in law by the Planning Act 2008. This provides certainty and clarity for everyone involved in the process.

We have written to the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero to ask them to confirm that the project can be considered as a NSIP. This is known as a section 35 request. Our application to be considered as a NSIP is supported by Torridge District Council.

The Secretary of State will then have 28 days to decide whether to grant our request. Once we have a decision, we will post a further update on this website.

You can find out more by reading our latest news.

Our commitment

We’re committed to engaging fully and thoroughly with the Devon community.

We are engaging with local stakeholders to ensure we have the fullest understanding of how to minimise disruption during construction.
We will explore all opportunities to contribute to social and economic development in Devon.
It is our priority to be a good neighbour to Devon’s communities and natural environment.

Get in touch

Please send us your thoughts via any of the channels listed below:

Email – hello@xlinks.co
Phone – 01271 268830
Post – Xlinks Ltd, Kingfisher House, 1 Radford Way, Billericay, CM12 0EQ

Stay Updated

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You can also follow us on Facebook: @xlinksdevon.

Frequently Asked Question

Why connect to the GB electricity grid in Devon?

Our project needs to connect at the optimal location in terms of transmission capacity and efficiency. This means it can deliver more renewable energy at a lower cost to Britain’s households.

We worked with National Grid to identify the optimal connection site. Agreement has been reached with National Grid for two 1.8GW connections at this site.

How can Devon benefit?

We are committed to explore all opportunities to contribute to social and economic development in Devon, including through the tender of work packages during the construction of the project and through the establishment of a community benefit fund.

It is our priority to be a good neighbour to Devon’s communities and natural environment. We aim to deliver a net positive environmental impact for biodiversity.

Finally, our project represents nationally-significant action in line with the principles of the Devon Climate Declaration.

Will it impact rural views and character?

All cables will be installed underground, with land reinstated to its previous use. There will be no permanent infrastructure above-ground along the route.

At the converter station site, the design process will use substantial screening to minimise visual impact.

Post-construction noise will be minimal, with very few moving parts, occasional inspections and maintenance, and a small operational team.

How will lorries access the construction?

We will seek to minimise disruption to local roads during construction by:

Transporting large, infrequent, converter station components by water to Appledore shipyard.
Employing construction haul roads along the underground cable route to remove frequent vehicle movements from the public highway.
Transporting materials to strategically located compounds adjacent to the A39, A386 and Gammaton Road.