X-Links president says UK red tape threatens £25 billion Morocco-UK green energy project

In an interview with the Telegraph, Dave Lewis, president of X-Links and former Tesco chief, has warned that excessive bureaucracy in the UK could force his ambitious £25 billion Morocco-UK green energy project to relocate to Europe, Morocco World News reports.

“We have the money, we have the technology, we have willing partners in Morocco – what we lack is timely decision-making in London,” Lewis told the Telegraph.

The project, which was designated as a project of national significance in 2023, aims to construct a 2,500-mile subsea cable linking solar and wind energy from Morocco’s Saharan region near Tan-Tan to Devon, supplying around 8% of the UK’s electricity demand.

Investors have reportedly already pledged £8 billion, and market tests to raise the remaining £17 billion have seen overwhelming interest.

While no direct government investment is required, the project’s success hinges on securing a contract to guarantee stable electricity pricing through energy bills. This approval is crucial for unlocking full investment and moving forward with construction.

The final decision now rests with UK Energy Minister Ed Miliband. Public opinion in the UK is divided over the project. Some see it as a positive step toward reducing energy costs and decreasing dependence on fossil fuels. Others, however, have raised concerns about relying on a foreign government for a significant portion of the UK’s energy supply, as well as the potential environmental impact on the Devon coastline.

Without swift action, Lewis warns the UK risks losing this groundbreaking renewable energy initiative to Europe, potentially missing out on a major step toward energy security and sustainability.