UK Designates Morocco Submarine Cable for Renewable Energy as Nationally Important

The United Kingdom has designated a plan to build a submarine cable for renewable energy transmission from Morocco as a project of “national importance.” Xlinks, a company chaired by former Tesco CEO Dave Lewis, aims to construct undersea cables spanning 3,800 kilometers by 2030 to provide renewable energy to 7 million British homes. However, the project still faces challenges, including securing more funding, long-term pricing contracts, and permissions to run through Spanish and French waters. The estimated cost of the project is between £20 billion and £22 billion ($24.47 billion). Xlinks stated that the project would create approximately 10,000 jobs in Morocco.

According to Energy Security and Net Zero Minister Claire Coutinho, the project holds national significance as it can help the UK transition away from fossil fuels and reduce carbon emissions while providing safe, reliable, and affordable energy supplies. The recognition of national importance means that the necessary infrastructure for the Xlinks cables would be approved by the government rather than local authorities. However, the UK government’s strategy to meet its net-zero emissions target has faced criticism for diluting targets to ban new petrol cars and offering insufficient subsidies for domestic offshore wind farms. This comes as the government recently approved the development of a new large oil field in the North Sea.

In summary, the UK has designated a submarine cable project from Morocco as nationally important to transmit renewable energy. Xlinks aims to build undersea cables to provide renewable energy to millions of homes, but challenges such as funding, contracts, and permissions remain. The project is estimated to cost £20-22 billion and could create thousands of jobs in Morocco. The UK government sees the project as a way to reduce carbon emissions and provide reliable energy supplies. However, the government’s overall strategy to reach net-zero emissions has faced criticism due to diluted targets and inadequate subsidies.

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