UAE-based utility firm Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA) and British energy tech company Octopus Energy Group have invested a combined $37 million (AED 135 million) in the UK startup Xlinks First Ltd. to fund the development of the world’s longest high-voltage direct current (HVDC) subsea cable project between the UK and Morocco.
When completed in 2030, the HVDC subsea cable project—passing through Portugal, Spain, and France—would supply nearly 8% of the UK’s electricity needs from Morocco’s renewable sources, according to the joint statement by the three companies on Wednesday.
The project would allow Xlinks to supply 3.6 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy-sourced electricity, enough to power 7 million homes in the UK by 2030.
In Morocco’s Guelmim Oued Noun region, a 10.5-GW solar and wind farm facility, which will be connected to a power grip in Southwest England, would be responsible for generating electricity to the UK through four 3,800-km subsea HVDC cables. The site will also house a 20GWh/5GW battery storage facility.
Xlinks is also working with the British energy department to explore the project’s potential, including its contribution to the country’s energy security.
“The huge potential of the Morocco–UK Power Project will help the UK accelerate its transition to clean sources of power, increase energy security and reduce consumer bills,” said Simon Morrish, CEO of Xlinks.
