Xlinks 1 Limited, the company behind the project to deliver affordable solar and wind power from Morocco to millions of UK homes, has formally requested a pause in the planning process for its Morocco-UK Power Project.
In a letter sent on May 14, 2025, to the Planning Inspectorate, Xlinks asked for a halt in the Development Consent Order (DCO) application process, which is the formal permission needed for nationally significant infrastructure, ahead of the Examination stage.
Xlinks stated it is currently awaiting an update from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) on whether the government intends to proceed with a Contract for Difference (CfD) for the project.
A Contract for Difference is a government-backed scheme that guarantees a fixed electricity price for low-carbon energy projects. For the Morocco–UK Power Project, Xlinks updated its estimated strike price to £70–80/MWh (based on 2012 prices), with construction costs expected to be between £22–24 billion as of April 2024.
According to the company, the outcome of the Contract for Difference decision could require revisions to the Development Consent Order application documents and additional consultation.
The company noted that a pause would allow interested parties to consider any potential changes, helping ensure that the Examination is conducted fairly and reasonably.
“The Applicant considers that a pause is reasonable in the exceptional circumstances that are beyond the control of either the Examining Authority or the Applicant,” the letter stated.
Xlinks also emphasized that a delay would support a more efficient and robust examination process, while enabling the project to move forward quickly once a decision is received.
In response, the Planning Inspectorate made a procedural decision the following day to cancel the Preliminary Meeting scheduled for 20 May 2025.
Meanwhile, Xlinks is seeking political support from the British government to expedite the project and is in talks to secure a fixed-price energy contract, although recent UK elections and government changes have impacted the project’s timeline.
Despite being labeled a national priority by the UK government, the project faces skepticism from investors and government entities about its feasibility.
If successful, the project aims to provide 8% of the UK’s electricity needs and reduce wholesale energy prices, while also helping to address renewable energy intermittency. It will connect with Morocco via 4,000 kilometers of subsea cable, expected to be operational by 2031.
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