UK Withdraws Support from Morocco-UK Power Project Amid Risk Concerns

Overview of the Project and Decision

The United Kingdom has decided to withdraw its support from the Morocco-UK Power Project, a $33 billion initiative aimed at transmitting renewable energy generated by North Africa’s wind and solar resources to the UK via underwater cables. This decision was announced by the UK’s Energy Security Department, citing a “high level of inherent risk” related to both project delivery and security.

Project Background

• Announced by British company Xlinks in 2021.
• Designed to create a global energy grid by shipping power from low-cost production areas to high-demand markets.
• Expected to supply the equivalent of 8% of the UK’s current electricity needs, powering approximately 7 million homes.
• Involves nearly 4,000 kilometers of underwater cables protected by plastic and steel to minimize transmission loss.
• Would be the largest interconnector of its kind if completed.

UK Government’s Position and Alternative Focus

British Energy Minister Michael Schanks emphasized the need to focus on “stronger alternative options” that pose less risk to taxpayers and consumers. The UK government is prioritizing projects that align with its goal to generate all energy from renewable sources by 2030, following the closure of its last coal-fired power plant in 2021.

Financial and Strategic Context

1. Large-scale infrastructure projects like this typically require government support or fixed pricing agreements per megawatt-hour.
2. Xlinks sought a fixed price agreement and secured loans from investors including France’s Total Energies and the Africa Finance Corporation.
3. Despite the UK government’s withdrawal, Xlinks’ Board Chair Dave Lewis announced the company’s intention to continue pursuing the project.

Implications for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy: The project aimed to increase access to renewable energy by harnessing abundant solar and wind resources in North Africa.
• SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: The initiative represented a pioneering infrastructure project involving advanced underwater cable technology to enable cross-continental energy transmission.
• SDG 13 – Climate Action: By replacing fossil fuel-based electricity with renewable sources, the project supported efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change.
• SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals: The collaboration between UK and North African stakeholders highlighted the importance of international partnerships in achieving sustainable energy transitions.

Regional and Global Context

• The Morocco-UK Power Project is part of a broader trend where European countries explore North Africa as a source of clean energy.
• Other transmission projects in Tunisia and Egypt aim to connect solar and wind farms to Italy and Greece.
• This approach tests whether it is more cost-effective to generate renewable power in optimal conditions abroad and transmit it, or to increase domestic renewable energy production.

Conclusion

The UK’s withdrawal from the Morocco-UK Power Project underscores the challenges of large-scale renewable energy infrastructure development, particularly regarding risk management and security. However, the commitment to achieving 100% renewable energy by 2030 remains a priority, with alternative projects being pursued to meet this target. The project’s vision aligns closely with multiple Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing the critical role of innovation, international cooperation, and clean energy in global sustainable development efforts.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • The article discusses the UK’s aim to generate all its energy from renewable sources by 2030 and the Morocco-UK Power Project to transmit renewable energy.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • The article highlights large-scale infrastructure projects such as underwater power transmission cables and energy storage projects.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • The transition from coal and natural gas to renewable energy sources aligns with climate action goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • The international collaboration between the UK, Morocco, and investors like Total Energies and Africa Finance Corporation reflects global partnerships.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix by 2030.
   • Target 7.a: Enhance international cooperation to facilitate access to clean energy research and technology.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure.
   • Target 9.b: Support domestic technology development and innovation in sustainable infrastructure.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • Target 17.6: Enhance North-South, South-South, and triangular regional and international cooperation on and access to science, technology, and innovation.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. SDG 7 Indicators
   • Proportion of population with access to electricity (implied by the project aiming to supply power to 7 million homes).
   • Renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption (implied by UK’s goal to generate all energy from renewables by 2030).
   • Installed capacity of renewable energy (implied by large-scale wind and solar projects).
2. SDG 9 Indicators
   • Length of transmission lines and infrastructure developed (implied by the 4,000 km underwater cable project).
   • Investment in infrastructure and technology (implied by financing from investors and development banks).
3. SDG 13 Indicators
   • Greenhouse gas emissions reduction (implied by the closure of coal plants and shift to renewables).
4. SDG 17 Indicators
   • Amount of financial resources mobilized for sustainable development (implied by loans and investments).
   • Number of international cooperation projects (implied by cross-border energy transmission projects).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: yahoo.com