Morocco-UK submarine cable project advances toward a sustainable energy future

Friday 28 February 2025 - 11:20

By: Dakir Madiha

Morocco-UK submarine cable project advances toward a sustainable energy future

The ambitious renewable energy project connecting Morocco to the United Kingdom, spearheaded by Xlinks, has reached a significant milestone. Designed to harness Morocco’s abundant solar and wind resources, the project aims to supply clean energy to the UK market by the early 2030s.

Located in southern Morocco, the initiative capitalizes on the region’s consistent sunshine and steady winds, ensuring a reliable energy output unaffected by the weather inconsistencies that challenge Northern Europe. “We have conducted over two years of extensive studies, enabling us to precisely define the project’s technical parameters,” said James Humfrey, Managing Director of Xlinks, in an interview with Utility Week.

The electricity generated will be transmitted to the UK through a 3,800-kilometer-long subsea high-voltage cable network, one of the longest of its kind ever constructed. This engineering feat is expected to provide continuous power, meeting up to 8% of the UK’s electricity needs and significantly reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

To date, the project has secured £100 million in development funding, drawing support from major investors such as TAQA, TotalEnergies, Octopus, GE Vernova, and AFC. It operates exclusively on private financing, highlighting its economic viability and strong appeal to global investors without relying on public funds.

The project’s launch is slated for the early 2030s, with a gradual increase in capacity over time. For Morocco, this initiative represents a strategic leap forward, solidifying its position as an energy hub between Africa and Europe. It also underscores the country’s growing leadership in renewable energy, where it has already emerged as one of the most ambitious players on the continent.

This groundbreaking venture not only diversifies the global energy mix but also addresses pressing environmental challenges. In the long run, it could serve as a model for other transcontinental energy connections, marking a transformative step in the global transition to green energy.