The Xlinks energy project is looking to connect with France after delays from the British government put its original UK plan at risk.
The project was first planned as a 3,800km undersea cable linking Morocco to Devon in south-west England. It aims to use strong Atlantic winds and high levels of sunshine in the Guelmim Oued Noun region to produce steady green electricity.
But the plan has stalled in the UK.
The British government has not yet approved a Contract for Difference (CfD), a deal that guarantees a fixed price for the electricity. This guarantee is important to give investors confidence. Without it, the project faces financial uncertainty.
In response, Xlinks is now looking at a wider European plan. After confirming a possible link to Germany, the company is now focusing on France.
Instead of just passing through French waters, the project could connect directly to the French power grid. According to Africa Intelligence, this would allow electricity from Morocco to be sold across Europe if the UK does not buy enough.
The cable would use high-voltage direct current (HVDC), a system that reduces power loss over long distances under the sea.
France’s role is supported by TotalEnergies, which owns a stake in Xlinks along with Octopus Energy. The French energy company is expected to help with talks with France’s grid operator, RTE, and the energy regulator, CRE.
