Xlinks First has appointed James Humfrey as its new chief executive to lead the Morocco-UK Power Project.
With the anticipated growth of Xlinks’ portfolio, the scheme now requires a dedicated leader as it continues to progress its mission to provide a clean, affordable power supply to deliver economic and social benefits for both the UK and Morocco, said the developer.
Humfrey has 25 years’ experience in leading complex international energy projects, most recently as executive vice president for growth and industry in ADNOC in Abu Dhabi, where he led capital project development and business development including the development of the new $25bn Chemical Park in Ruwais.
He also led ADNOC’s New Energies Division, developing the region’s first world-scale Blue Ammonia plant and CCS pilot and delivered the acquisition of a stake in Masdar (an international Renewable Generation Company with a 20GW portfolio) and the formation of Masdar Green Hydrogen. He served on the boards of Infineum and Masdar Green Hydrogen.
Previously, James held senior roles at Shell, with his last as SVP Downstream M&A and prior to that he was in charge of Global Capital Projects Contracting (including the $14bn Canada LNG EPC LS contract) and Chemicals Capital Projects.
Xlinks founder Simon Morrish will work with James during the development period to ensure the success of the project and continue as group chief executive, where he is responsible for key strategic relationships and growing Xlinks’ portfolio of projects.
Morrish founded Xlinks in 2019, spearheading the concept and development of the Xlinks Morocco-UK Power Project, which is backed by some of the biggest global energy brands as investors including TotalEnergies, Octopus Energy, and Abu Dhabi National Energy
“James brings a wealth of expertise in delivering large complex energy projects to Xlinks, along with experience of working with major global investors in the industry,” said Xlinks executive chairman Dave Lewis.
“James’ appointment will allow our founder and group chief executive Simon Morrish to focus on developing future energy projects to boost the global grid and help meet global net-zero targets.”
Morrish added: “I am delighted that James has joined us to lead and grow a world-class team to deliver our ambitious vision.
“The Morocco-UK Power Project is Xlinks’ first project, and we have other markets that are excited to harness the enormous benefits that long-distance HVDC connectors can deliver to help solve the intermittency of renewables.
“We expect the Morocco-UK Power Project will serve as a model for future initiatives.”
Humfrey said: “Joining Xlinks First as chief executive is a fantastic opportunity to lead the first-of-its-kind Morocco-UK Power Project in achieving its goal to deliver a near constant, clean and affordable supply of electricity to the UK.
“This will play a key role in the Morocco and UK’s future prosperity. I look forward to working with the Board, Simon and the rest of the team as we work to deliver this much needed project.”