Britain Plans $25 Billion Submarine Line to Transport Renewable Energy from Morocco
Reuters has reported that Britain has devised a plan of “national importance” to construct a submarine line costing approximately $25 billion. The purpose of this line is to transport renewable energy from Morocco.
X-Links Aims to Transport Solar and Wind Energy to Seven Million UK Homes
X-Links, led by Dave Lewis, the former CEO of Tesco, intends to lay undersea cables spanning 3,800 kilometers. The objective is to transport solar and wind energy, ultimately benefiting seven million homes in the UK by the year 2030.
Challenges Faced by X-Links
Although X-Links considers the government’s approval of the project a remarkable accomplishment, numerous challenges remain. Apart from installing the world’s longest submarine high-voltage direct current cable, the company needs to secure additional financing, establish long-term pricing contracts, and obtain permission to pass through the territorial waters of Spain and France.
Project Costs and Job Creation
Dave Lewis stated that the estimated cost of the project ranges from £20 billion ($24.47 billion) to £22 billion. Moreover, X-Links highlighted that the project will generate approximately 10,000 jobs in Morocco, including 2,000 permanent positions. This initiative aligns with the country’s energy export strategy.
Importance of the Project for the UK’s Energy Transition
The UK Minister for Energy Security and Net-Zero Emissions, Claire Coutinho, emphasized that the project holds national significance. It has the potential to steer the country away from fossil fuels and aid in achieving the UK’s commitments to reducing carbon emissions. Furthermore, it supports the government’s objectives of ensuring a safe, reliable, and affordable energy supply for consumers.
Source: Reuters
