The United Kingdom is planning to extend a subsea cable for the transmission of renewable energy from Morocco in a project declared a project of "national significance."
Reuters reported that Xlinks, a company chaired by former Tesco chief executive Dave Lewis, wants to build 3,800 kilometers of subsea cables to supply solar and wind power from the Sahara to seven million British homes by 2030.
While Xlinks called the government's recognition of its project "a major milestone," many challenges remain.
As well as building the world's most extended high-voltage direct current subsea cable, Xlinks needs to secure more funding, agree on long-term pricing contracts, and be granted permission to run through Spanish and French waters.
Lewis disclosed to the Financial Times that the estimated cost is between £20 billion and £22 billion.
Xlinks also noted that the initiative would generate approximately 10,000 jobs in Morocco, with 2,000 becoming permanent positions, aligning with the country's energy export strategy.
New UK energy security and net zero minister Claire Coutinho said the project was nationally significant because of its potential to help Britain ditch fossil fuels.
"The proposed project could play an important role in enabling an energy system that meets the UK's commitment to reduce carbon emissions and the government's objectives to create a secure, reliable, and affordable energy supply for consumers," the statement said.
