Xlinks has appointed engineering professional services consultancy WSP to provide technical advisory services for the tendering process for four HVDC converter stations and ancillary works for the Morocco-UK Power Project.

WSP will support the procurement process for converter stations in the UK and Morocco, 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 10.5 GW of generation capacity to be constructed in Morocco.

It will be located in Morocco’s renewable energy rich region of Guelmim Oued Noun and cover an approximate area of 1,500sq km.

The project is a combination of solar and wind generation assets coupled with energy storage, connected exclusively to the UK through dedicated 3,800km 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 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.”