Various outlets are reporting that the Xlinks renewable energy project to import solar and wind power from Morocco via cables has failed to win a £25bn contract needed from the Government.

Xlinks, chaired by the former Tesco chief executive Sir Dave Lewis, was seeking a 25-year CfD arrangement, but it is possible the scheme has fallen foul of DESNZ’s desire to back domestic supply solutions, although whether this is a matter of security (with cables being vulnerable to attack) or of trying to keep project benefits in the UK is unclear.

Xlinks sought to build a 1,500 sq mile solar, wind and battery facility in the Province of Tan-Tan, Morocco and begin supplying 3.6GW of energy to the UK in the early 2030s. It was estimated to be able to reduce the UK’s sector carbon emissions by around 10 per cent.

The project did not seek Government funding, only the guarantee of supply, and is now likely to seek support from other countries or directly contract with companies under PPAs, in which case it may still proceed.

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