In a groundbreaking development for Britain’s renewable energy sector, former Tesco chief Sir Dave Lewis is spearheading an extraordinary venture to construct the world’s longest undersea power cable, connecting Morocco’s abundant solar resources to British households.
The £100 million project, managed by Xlinks, envisions a 4,000-kilometre cable buried beneath the seabed, channelling renewable energy from Morocco’s Tantan province to Devon’s coastline. This innovative infrastructure could potentially supply 8% of Great Britain’s electricity needs, powering over 9 million homes with clean, reliable energy for approximately 19 hours daily.
The ambitious scheme has garnered substantial backing from influential energy sector players, including TotalEnergies, Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA), and British energy innovator Octopus Energy. Despite securing prestigious investors, the project awaits crucial government approval for a guaranteed electricity price contract, estimated between £70 to £80 per megawatt hour.
Sir Lewis, who assumed the role of executive chairman at Xlinks in 2020, emphasises the project’s practical viability, noting that each component – from solar farms to high-voltage cables – utilises proven technology. The initiative could significantly contribute to the UK government’s target of achieving an 81% reduction in carbon emissions by 2035 compared to 1990 levels.
Critics questioning Britain’s reliance on foreign energy sources have been met with Lewis’s pragmatic response, highlighting the UK’s island status and the necessity of international energy partnerships. The project’s proposed 2030 completion date aligns strategically with Britain’s clean energy transition timeline, potentially establishing a new paradigm in cross-continental renewable energy distribution.
The development of a Scottish cable manufacturing facility could localise up to 50% of the required cable production, fostering domestic industrial growth alongside environmental benefits. This dual advantage positions the Morocco-UK power link as a compelling proposition for Britain’s sustainable energy future.
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