- A proposed power cable project connecting Morocco to the UK has raised concerns among residents in north Devon.
- The project will involve burying cables along a nine-mile (14.5km) route onshore, building a new substation, and constructing two converter stations.
A proposed power cable project connecting Morocco to the UK has raised concerns among residents in north Devon (a region in southwest England). The Xlinks Morocco-UK Power Project aims to provide electricity for seven million UK homes by the early 2030s. The UK government has declared the project of national significance.
The scheme involves laying four cables over about 2,500 miles (4,000km), coming ashore near Abbotsham in north Devon. James Humfrey, CEO of Xlinks, stated that the project would deliver energy in the evenings when the UK needs it most.
Mr Humfrey said, “We are working hard to minimise disruption when we build the project.” He stated, “That includes building a temporary road to take the majority of construction off local roads, putting in place restrictions on hours and methods for building work and installing our underground cables in 1km sections to reduce the amount of time we are working in any one area.”
He noted, “Our plans are informed by three rounds of consultation over two years. We’ve made major changes to our plans in response to feedback – including moving the converter station to its current location at the Old Webbery Showground”
He stated that the xlink will continue to engage with the community as they develop the plans further. However, local residents have expressed strong reservations. Tony Sloan, a local resident, noted, “I feel devastated. The area will be in chaos for years.”
If approved, the construction in Devon is expected to take six years. It involves burying cables along a nine-mile (14.5km) route onshore, building a new substation, and constructing two converter stations.
Farmer David Lomas, whose land would be affected, expressed scepticism: ” I like the idea of green energy, but to bring it over from Morocco, I think it’s a crazy idea.”
The project is estimated to cost between £22bn and £24bn. Despite local opposition, the UK government appears supportive of such initiatives, with a spokesperson stating, «We are taking immediate action in our mission to make Britain a clean energy superpower. » As the planning process continues, the final decision on the project rests with the UK secretary of state.