Xlinks First secures investment for Morocco-UK Power Project from Africa Finance Corporation
Xlinks First Ltd., a prominent player in global energy solutions, has announced a significant $14.1 million investment from the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), a leader in infrastructure solutions across the continent. This investment will fuel the development of the ambitious Morocco-UK Power Project, which aims to supply Britain with renewable energy sourced from Morocco.
Strategic Development in Renewable Energy
The project represents a major advancement in renewable energy, with the planned installation of wind and solar generation facilities combined with flexible battery storage. Positioned in southern Morocco, these facilities are set to deliver 3.6GW of clean power, which could satisfy about 8% of Britain’s current electricity needs, equating to the energy requirements of approximately 7 million homes.
Long-Distance Energy Transmission
A distinctive feature of this initiative is the 4,000 km high-voltage direct current (HVDC) sub-sea cables that will connect the energy production in Morocco directly to the United Kingdom. This method of energy transmission highlights a novel approach to leveraging Africa’s vast renewable resources to address European energy demands.
Economic and Environmental Benefits
The Morocco-UK Power Project is expected to create thousands of jobs, including many in skilled sectors, supported by training and certification programs to bolster Morocco’s position as a renewable energy hub. Additionally, the project aims to establish a comprehensive renewable energy industrial ecosystem in Morocco, encompassing the production, transformation, transport, storage, and reconversion of renewable energy equipment.
Executive Insights
Samaila Zubairu, President & CEO of AFC, emphasized the project’s global environmental impact: “Africa, with its immense renewable energy potential and vast natural resources, stands at the forefront of global net zero aspirations. This project showcases Africa’s capability to fuel Europe’s shift to sustainable energy while addressing urgent climate challenges.”
James Humfrey, CEO of Xlinks First, highlighted the strategic partnership’s significance: “Securing AFC as an investor is a major step forward. AFC’s deep understanding of African infrastructure and their mission to foster economic growth perfectly align with our project’s goals.”
Additional Support and Project Details
AFC joins other prominent investors including Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA), TotalEnergies, and Octopus Energy. The Xlinks Morocco-UK Power Project is poised to generate 11.5GW of zero-carbon electricity from solar and wind sources. This energy will support the UK’s energy supply with a reliable and sustainable source, particularly during periods when domestic generation is low due to unfavorable weather conditions.
This innovative project not only supports the UK’s energy sustainability goals but also serves as a model for future international renewable energy collaborations. By harnessing the consistent solar and wind conditions in Morocco, the project provides a replicable framework for leveraging global renewable resources effectively.