Sir Dave Lewis plans to power Britain with renewable energy from Morocco

In recent times, Sir Dave Lewis, the former CEO of Tesco, has been spearheading an ambitious project aimed at addressing the climate crisis through renewable energy. The initiative focuses on constructing the world's longest subsea power cable, extending approximately 4,000 kilometers from Morocco to Great Britain. This cable would have the potential to supply up to 8% of the UK's electricity, predominantly sourced from renewable energy and battery projects located in Morocco's Tantan province. Lewis asserts that this connection could begin delivering clean electricity to the UK grid as early as 2030, which aligns with the UK government's goal of achieving a cleaner energy system by the decade's end while significantly reducing carbon emissions by 2035. Despite the project's apparent feasibility, it has faced delays in governmental engagement. It has been over a year since Xlinks, the driving force behind the project, was designated as a project of national significance by the UK government, yet the necessary green light for progress remains pending. Lewis has mentioned the cost of the electricity generated through this cable would be competitive, estimated at between £70 to £80 per megawatt hour, which is lower than the current agreements for nuclear energy and aligns with anticipated costs for future offshore wind projects. The project also suggests economic benefits for Morocco, providing a vital avenue to harness the country’s rich renewable energy resources. Sir Dave Lewis, despite lacking a background specifically in the energy industry, has attracted support from notable investors, including Octopus Energy. He's highlighted how, unlike the robust infrastructure developed by oil and gas sectors, energy transmission through power lines should be more straightforward, emphasizing a changing political and economic landscape toward supporting renewable initiatives. The realization of this project might still invoke reservations, particularly among those who are concerned about relying heavily on energy sourced from a foreign nation. Lewis has addressed this skepticism by pointing out the geographical reality of Britain's status as an island, indicating the importance of energy interconnectivity. Securing supplies and manufacturing components domestically, potentially sourcing around 50% of the cable from a planned factory in Scotland, could mitigate some concerns about dependency. Overall, Lewis's vision combines both the urgent need for clean energy solutions and the prospect of economic engagement, positioning the plan as one of potential strategic importance for both the UK and Morocco.