Intertek to Support Xlinks Morocco-UK Power Project with Marine Cable Routing and Survey Procurement
March 09, 2022
Liphook, Hampshire (UK): Intertek, a leading Total Quality Assurance provider to industries worldwide, is pleased to announce that it has been appointed by UK-based company Xlinks to provide Quality Assurance and technical advice on marine cable routing, survey specification and procurement on what will be the world's longest subsea cable between the UK and Morocco. This follows completion of a marine permit feasibility study in 2021.
There will be four subsea cables, each approximately 3,800 km long, in twin 1.8 gigawatt (GW) cable systems that will exclusively connect substantial solar and wind facilities in Morocco with the UK power grid. The two 1.8 GW systems will be between the UK and the 10.5 GW Moroccan renewable energy farms in the Guelmim-Oued Noun region, contributing to the UK's goal of Net Zero Emissions by 2050 and providing more consistent electricity generation from Morocco's enhanced solar and wind resources.
Expanding on Intertek's knowledge and track record of long interconnector projects, this project will be an exciting opportunity working on what are expected to be the longest subsea HVDC cables in the world. Intertek will work closely with Xlinks to review cable routeing, draft survey and technical specifications, assist with survey procurement, technically review tenders, and help acquire survey permits.
Andy Page, Intertek Energy & Water's Site Characterisation and Engineering Lead, affirmed: "We are delighted to continue and develop our support to Xlinks on this industry-leading project, assisting with the realisation of this globally important renewable energy scheme. Intertek Energy & Water bring a wealth of technical expertise and experience and we look forward to building on our track record of assuring quality and safety in the development of long-distance HVDC interconnectors."
“We welcome the support of Intertek for our marine surveys in connecting Morocco to the UK” commented Nigel Williams, Xlinks Project Director. “They bring proven expertise to a key element of the Morocco – UK Power Project.”
Intertek’s global offshore project experience encompasses numerous industries and includes the planning, permitting and construction oversight of offshore renewables projects as well as power transmission and telecommunication cables. Our many services include site selection and characterisation, feasibility studies, survey and installation oversight, Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) and scoping studies, metocean assessments and risk management for a variety of offshore developments. Learn more about these Intertek services by visiting: https://www.intertek.com/energy-water/subsea-power-cables/
For Technical Information
Andrew Page
Andrew.Page@intertek.com
For Market Information
Niki Schroeder
Niki.Schroeder@intertek.com
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