04-07-2025
Xlinks officially withdraws UK application for Morocco-UK energy cable
Xlinks has officially withdrawn its application for its MAD 310 billion (£25 billion) renewable energy project, which aimed to supply solar and wind power from Morocco to the UK via a 4,000-kilometre undersea cable.
In a letter submitted to the British Planning Inspectorate on July 1, the company stated it was «formally withdrawing the application submitted in November 2024, which was accepted for examination in December 2024».
This move follows a recent announcement by the UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), which said it was «no longer considering a negotiated Contract for Difference (CfD) for the Project». The CfD mechanism would have guaranteed a minimum price for electricity imported via the Morocco-UK cable.
Xlinks explained that due to the current «changes», it does «not believe that proceeding with the Examination at this stage is advisable».
Last week, Xlinks Chair Sir Dave Lewis said he was «surprised and bitterly disappointed» by the government's decision to walk away from the project.
The company had anticipated the shift in government position. In May, it requested a temporary pause in its Development Consent Order (DCO) application, a critical step for large infrastructure projects, while awaiting clarity on the CfD process. Xlinks had also expressed frustration over delays in receiving UK government backing, warning it might shift the initiative to another country.
For the record, The Morocco–UK Power Project aims to deliver 3.6 GW of dispatchable clean energy from solar, wind, and battery installations in Morocco. It was expected to reduce UK carbon emissions by 10% and cut wholesale electricity prices by 9.3%.
