Morocco's role in the UK's clean energy future

Morocco is poised to become a pivotal player in the United Kingdom's clean energy ambitions, according to former UK Defence Minister Nick Harvey. In a recent article for PoliticsHome, Harvey emphasized the North African country's potential to support Britain's renewable energy goals, particularly in light of escalating energy costs for British households.

With the average annual dual fuel bill set to reach £1,849 in April, following the latest announcement from Ofgem, the UK's energy regulator, Harvey underscored the urgency of seeking alternative energy sources. The impact of geopolitical events, notably Russia's invasion of Ukraine, has exacerbated the financial strain on families, making reliable and affordable energy sources more crucial than ever.

Central to this initiative is the Morocco-UK Power Project, currently under review by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. This ambitious venture aims to tap into Morocco's abundant solar and wind resources to supply renewable energy to the UK.

Harvey highlighted the historical trading relationship between Morocco and the UK, noting that the project, spearheaded by Xlinks and chaired by former Tesco CEO Sir Dave Lewis, could generate enough energy to power seven million British homes—accounting for approximately eight percent of the nation’s electricity needs. The project is expected to deliver an average of 3.6 gigawatts (GW) for over 19 hours each day, with battery storage providing essential backup.

Electricity will be transmitted across the sea via four armored High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) cables, extending approximately 2,485 miles (4,000 km) and buried at least a meter under the seabed. These cables will make landfall on the north coast of Devon, utilizing technology that has been in use for over two centuries.

Harvey reassured stakeholders of the project's security, as the cables will traverse the waters of NATO allies, thereby enhancing protection against potential geopolitical threats. He argued that increasing renewable energy production in the UK would lessen dependence on foreign sources and mitigate vulnerability to international crises.

Moreover, the project addresses the challenge of "Dunkelflaute," a German term for periods of low renewable energy generation due to adverse weather conditions. Unlike the UK's current reliance on weather-dependent energy systems, Morocco's stable solar and wind resources provide a reliable alternative.

The Morocco-UK Power Project promises to generate more than £20 billion in socio-economic benefits for the UK. Harvey noted that XLCC, the project's strategic partner, is establishing the largest HVDC facility in Scotland to support this and similar initiatives, creating numerous job opportunities and enhancing workforce skills.

As energy demands continue to rise—accelerated by advancements in power-intensive technologies such as artificial intelligence—Harvey concluded that the UK will need innovative solutions and diverse energy sources to meet future challenges.