Xlinks wants to construct a 3,800km cable between Morocco and the UK that could transmit enough electricity to power more than seven million British homes
Plans to connect a 3.6GW of renewable energy from Morocco to the British electricity grid are in a second period of public consultation in North Devon.
Xlinks wants to construct a 3,800km cable between Morocco and the UK that could transmit enough electricity to power more than seven million British homes. It would involve a large-scale onshore wind, solar and battery electricity generation site in the north African country supplying power exclusively to the UK energy grid. The project, which is expected to cost £18bn to fund, received a significant boost last week when it was named by the government as a project of interest in its energy blueprint, Powering Up Britain.
Xlinks’ Renewable Energy Development in Devon will seek to gain planning permission for 14km of underground High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) cabling, from landfall at Cornborough Range, and construction of a HVDC to High Voltage Alternating Current (HVAC) converter station site in close proximity to the existing National Grid substation located between Gammaton and Alverdiscott.
Having worked with National Grid to identify the optimal location to connect to the GB electricity grid, Xlinks has developed its plans in line with the rural character of North Devon. All cables will be installed underground, with land reinstated to its previous use. There will be no permanent infrastructure above-ground along the route.
Upon completion, the Xlinks Morocco-UK Power Project will be capable of meeting approximately eight per cent of Britain’s annual electricity demand, enough renewable energy to power over 7 million British homes.
Xlinks’ second round of public exhibitions in Devon seeks local views on the project enhancements being proposed following community feedback at its first public exhibitions held last year.
Firstly, the company proposes to relocate the converter station site to the old Webbery Showground. This site is closer to the existing National Grid substation and less disruptive to local residents, particularly during construction. Work is being undertaken to ensure that the site is also less visually intrusive and substantially screened from view.
Secondly, the company proposes an alternative route for the underground cable to avoid Abbotsham village. This takes the underground cable away from homes and schools.
Finally, further detail has been made available regarding the proposed construction methods and transport routes employed by the project. These align with the company’s intention to minimise potential disruption during construction, including on local roads.
The second period of public consultation runs from Monday 17 April 2023 until Wednesday 31 May 2023. All responses will be considered ahead of the submission of a full planning application to the Local Planning Authority in summer 2023.
Nigel Williams, Project Director, HVDC Transmission, Xlinks said: “From day one of our work in Devon, we recognised the need for local input to help us shape our plans, minimise potential disruption during construction, and maximise benefit to the region.
Source: devonlive
