Cable from Morocco Bideford area could supply 8% of UK's energy needs

Xlinks, a private renewable energy company based in the UK, will this week begin a public consultation in North Devon regarding its plans to connect 3.6GW of renewable energy from Morocco to the GB electricity grid via Bideford.

The company is calling for local input to further shape its plans, minimise potential disruption during construction, and maximise the benefit to the region.

A series of Public Information Days will be held to share with the community proposals for 14.7km of underground High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) cabling, from landfall at Cornborough, and construction of a HVDC to High Voltage Alternating Current (HVAC) converter station site to the southwest of the existing National Grid substation located between Gammaton and Alverdiscott.

Nigel Williams, Project Director, HVDC Transmission, Xlinks said: "The need for a project like ours grows by the day. Amid rising volatility in international energy markets, it promises an exclusive and near-constant supply of reliable renewable energy, free from the environmental and weather constraints of UK-based generation.

“The proposed onshore works in Devon represent a vital part of the plan and we’re very much looking forward to discussing them. This consultation will help ensure we have the fullest understanding of how to minimise disruption during construction, and how we can be a good neighbour to the local community and the natural environment. We will also explore all opportunities to contribute to social and economic development in Devon.”

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 8% of Britain’s annual electricity demand, enough renewable energy to power over 7 million British homes.

The period of public consultation runs from Wednesday, November 23, until Wednesday, December 14. All responses will be considered ahead of the submission of a full planning application to the Local Planning Authority in early 2023.

The Public Information Days are open to all and are being held on:

• Wednesday, November 23, 2022, from 12.30pm to 8.00pm at Huntshaw Parish Hall, Huntshaw, Devon, EX38 7HH
• Thursday, November 24, 2022, from 12.30pm to 8.00pm at Caddsdown Business Support Centre, Caddsdown Industrial Park, Clovelly Road, Bideford, Devon, EX39 3DX

All exhibition material will also be available to view online throughout the consultation period at www.xlinks.co/devon.