X-Links risks losing its project in Morocco over 'bureaucratic hold-ups'

The UK could lose out on a £25 billion green energy project with Morocco and push it to another country because of bureaucratic hold-ups, says Sir Dave Lewis, chairman of X-Links, in an interview with The Telegraph. 

The project, which will bring cheap solar and wind power from Morocco to millions of UK homes, is being closely watched by international investors. But Sir Lewis says that these investors won’t wait forever.

“We’ve got people lining up to provide the £8bn funding needed,” Sir Lewis said, noting that the remaining £17bn in financing was oversubscribed when recently tested.

But growing frustration over the time it’s taking to get the necessary government approval could force X-Links to take the project elsewhere. 

The plan is to generate solar and wind energy in Morocco’s sunny Tantan region and transport it at lightning speed through 4000 km of underwater cables to the UK. 

This project could supply electricity to 9 million homes and reduce carbon emissions by 10%, with the added benefit of lowering energy bills. 

But X-Links is eyeing alternatives. The company wants to expand the project to Germany and another unnamed country, where they would fast-track it if the UK continues to stall. 

“We’ve done everything that was asked of us, but the process is taking an enormous amount of time,” said Sir Lewis.

Despite being recognized as a project of national significance nearly 18 months ago, X-Links is still waiting for approval from Energy Secretary Ed Miliband for a long-term contract that guarantees a fixed price for their power. 

Sir Dave has called the UK’s delay a “lack of policy and engagement” and warned it risks damaging Britain’s reputation internationally. 

Sir Lewis says that the project is not only a win for Morocco but also a critical step for the UK to secure its energy future.

“The sun shines every day and the wind blows every evening. It’s geographically perfect,” Sir Dave said, describing Morocco.