Power from North Africa to Devon

Solar and wind power - from Morocco to North Devon?

UK energy company Xlinks is proposing an ambitious project to import solar and wind power from North Africa to North Devon, possibly providing around eight per cent of the UK’s energy.

It plans to run an undersea cable from Morocco, coming ashore at Cornborough and going underground to a new converter station at Gammaton Cross. The cables would then continue underground to an existing substation at Alverdiscott.

Residents living near Gammaton Cross have expressed their concern about the proposed development, which they claim could “blight their homes” and harm local wildlife.

Public consultation meetings have begun, and a spokesman for Xlinks told Molton Monthly, “Our team is determined to be a good neighbour to North Devon’s communities and natural environment. We’re also keen to explore all opportunities to contribute to the social and economic development of the local Devon community.”