- Xlinks seeks to collect local views on proposed project enhancements through the consultation period.
- The first cable is scheduled to go online in early 2027, while the other three sub-cables are set to start operations in 2029.
British green energy Xlinks announced this week the beginning of the second period of public consultation in Devon, England, regarding its plans to connect 3.6GW of reliable renewable energy from Morocco to the UK’s electricity grid. Xlinks seeks to gain planning permission for 14 kilometers of underground High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) cabling, and the construction of an HVDC to High Voltage Alternating Current (HVAC) converter station site in close proximity to the existing substation located in the region, according to a statement from the company.
In the statement, Xlinks explains that it has worked with the English National Grid to identify the optimal location to connect its cable to the electricity grid. The statement noted; “All cables will be installed underground, with land reinstated to its previous use. There will be no permanent infrastructure above-ground along the route.” Through the consultation period, Xlinks seeks to collect local views on the project enhancements being proposed. The second period of public consultation runs from Monday 17th April until Wednesday 31st May 2023, the statement adds.
Xlinks Morocco-UK Power Project will cover around 8% of Britain’s annual electricity needs, powering over 7 million British homes. The project comprises plans to build a 3,800-kilometer submarine cable, the longest of its kind in the world. Nigel Williams said that his company recognizes the need for local input to “help us shape our plans, minimize potential disruption during construction, and maximize benefit to the region. We’ve made some key enhancements to our project proposals and look forward to discussing these at our second public exhibitions and throughout the course of this second round of public consultation.”