Morocco to Devon power cable project sparks chaos fears

The proposed Xlinks Morocco-UK Power Project aims to bring renewable energy from Morocco to the UK via a 2,500-mile cable, which would be the longest in the world. This project is expected to provide electricity for approximately seven million homes by the early 2030s. The UK government has declared it a nationally significant infrastructure project, emphasizing its potential to reduce CO2 emissions. However, the construction phase, which could last up to six years, has raised significant concerns among local residents and landowners in north Devon. Residents like Tony and Ann Sloan express fears that the project will disrupt their peaceful community, bringing noise, traffic, and construction activities that could deter tourists. The project involves burying four cables along a nine-mile route and constructing a new electricity substation and converter stations, which will require extensive land use and could lead to around 545 additional vehicle movements daily. Local farmer David Lomas is particularly concerned about losing 20% of his productive agricultural land during construction. He questions the necessity of importing electricity from Morocco when there is a demand for energy in the South West. The project has sparked a debate about the balance between green energy initiatives and the impact on local communities and environments. Despite the potential benefits of renewable energy, the project faces opposition from residents who fear long-term chaos and disruption in their area. The company behind the project acknowledges these concerns and aims to address them while moving forward with plans to enhance the UK's energy infrastructure.