XLinks, the company that is developing a 3.6GW interconnector between Morocco and Devon to bring power from a solar, wind and battery facility, has said it is “hugely surprised and bitterly disappointed” that secretary of state Ed Miliband said the project would not be supported with a Contract for Difference (CfD).
Sir Dave Lewis, Xlinks Chair, said that project was “an opportunity to unlock … substantial value“.
He said, “We developed this Project to rapidly realise the potential of long-distance electricity generation and connection for the UK and Morocco,” saying it would provide 8% of the UK’s electricity needs and it could “address the challenge of sharp drops in UK power generation when the wind isn’t blowing or the sun isn’t shining. It would do this at significantly lower cost than the nuclear alternative and be connected to the grid much sooner”.
He added that, “Over £100 million from leading energy sector players has already been spent on project development, and demand from lenders to participate in the construction phase is greater than we require”.
He said, “Ultimately, we have no choice but to accept DESNZ’s decision. We are now working to unlock the potential of the Project and maximise its value for all parties in a different way.”