MOROCCO – Xlinks First Ltd., a clean energy interconnector between Morocco and the UK, has secured US$14.1 million from Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), the premier infrastructure solutions provider on the African continent.
The investment is set to propel the advancement of Xlinks’ ambitious Morocco—UK Power Project, which aims to deliver affordable, reliable, and clean energy from Morocco to Britain within the next decade.
Once operational, the project’s combined wind and solar generation, complemented by flexible battery storage, will provide an impressive 3.6GW of clean power.
This substantial output is equivalent to fulfilling 8% of Britain’s current electricity requirements or powering approximately 7 million homes.
Samaila Zubairu, President & Chief Executive Officer of AFC, emphasised the project’s significance in Africa’s journey towards achieving global net-zero aspirations.
He underscored the project’s ability to leverage Africa’s vast renewable energy potential to support Europe’s transition to sustainable energy while addressing pressing climate challenges.
The project lies in south Morocco, where new electricity generation and battery storage facilities will be strategically located. These facilities will be exclusively connected to Britain via 4,000km of high-voltage direct current (HVDC) subsea cables, ensuring a seamless and efficient energy transmission process.
Beyond its immediate energy benefits, the Morocco—UK Power Project promises to foster significant socio-economic growth.
The initiative is anticipated to generate thousands of employment opportunities, with a notable emphasis on skilled jobs.
Comprehensive training and certification programs will support these positions, further solidifying Morocco’s position as a pioneering force in renewable energy expertise on both regional and continental scales.
The project is expected to catalyse the establishing an integrated renewable energy industrial ecosystem.
This ecosystem will encompass various aspects, such as the industrial production of renewable energy equipment, transportation, storage, and reconversion.
Together, these elements will catalyse broader economic development and growth, positioning Morocco as a critical player in the global renewable energy landscape.
James Humfrey, CEO of Xlinks First, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership with AFC, recognising the institution’s unparalleled understanding and experience in African infrastructure.
He emphasised the alignment between the AFC’s mission to foster economic growth and industrial development in Africa and the anticipated outcomes of the Morocco – UK Power Project.
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