Xlinks has appointed engineering consultancy WSP to provide technical advisory services for the tendering process for converter stations for its Morocco-UK power link.
WSP will support the procurement process for four HVDC converter stations in the UK and also Morocco, as well as UK grid connection works, connection to the generation assets in Morocco, and an interface between the converter stations and the HVDC cable systems in the UK and Morocco.
The Xlinks Morocco-UK Power Project is a multi-technology renewable energy project of approximately 10.5GW of generation capacity to be constructed in Morocco, with a combination of solar and wind generation assets coupled with energy storage, connected to the UK through dedicated 3800 km of HVDC sub-sea cables with a combined capacity of 3.6GW at the receiving end.
The generation assets in Morocco will enable Xlinks to maximise the use of the subsea transmission system and deliver a dedicated, near-constant source of flexible and predictable clean energy to Britain for an average of more than 20 hours a day.
Xlinks will provide up to 8% of Great Britain’s electricity needs.
Martin Croucher, Senior Project Manager – HVDC Converters, said: “The HVDC converter stations are a vital part of accomplishing the Morocco-UK Power Project.
“We are delighted to have WSP on board as technical advisors to support the tender process.”
Ben Jones, Non Regulated T&D Construction Director, Energy at WSP, said: “We’re delighted to support Xlinks on what is a truly significant opportunity for the UK to increase its use of renewable energy and move away from fossil fuel dependency.
“A project of this magnitude will require a multi-disciplinary, collaborative approach and we’re excited to play an important part in its delivery.”