Xlinks Morocco–UK Power Project

[1][2][3][4] Morocco has been hailed as a potential key power generator for Europe as the continent looks to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

[13] In August 2023 Xlinks was declared a project of “national significance” by Claire Coutinho, the UK’s Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.

In Morocco, the prevailing winds blow most strongly in the afternoon and early evening, driven by the temperature difference between the Sahara Desert and the cooler Atlantic Ocean.

[4] If built, the undersea cable will run from landfall near Tan-Tan in southern Morocco to National Grid connection points at Alverdiscott near the north coast of Devon, England.

[2] Following the continental shelf is longer than the direct route, but is less technically challenging[4] and avoids the abyssal depths of the Bay of Biscay.

In April 2024, Xlinks released cost guidance that the project is seeking to secure contracts for difference to supply electricity at £70-80/MWh (2012 pricing).

[25] In September 2021, Xlinks stated that they "have secured with the Moroccan government an area of about 1,500 km2 [580 square miles] for a combined wind and solar farm in Morocco".

"[27] Intertek was also commissioned to provide Quality Assurance and technical advice on marine cable routing, survey specification and procurement.