The Xlinks Interview: James Humfrey, CEO of the Xlinks Morocco-UK Power Project
In our exclusive interview, Energy Voice spoke to Xlinks chief executive James Humfrey to discuss the scope and hurdles facing the nascent renewables megaproject.
Africa
Rockefeller targets “equitable, just and pervasive” energy transition
The president of The Rockefeller Foundation, a multi-billion-dollar philanthropic investment house that began life investing the oil profits of John D. Rockefeller, has said the firm’s priority is an “equitable” energy transition.
Xlinks appoints new CEO to lead ambitious Morocco-UK power project
Xlinks First Ltd. has appointed a new chief executive officer to lead its ambitious plan to transmit electricity from a solar and wind power plant in Morocco to the UK via a subsea cable,
Masdar stacks up deals on 20 GW of clean energy
Masdar head Al Ramahi said the Kyrgyzstan agreement marked a “new chapter for Masdar in our clean energy journey … we are glad to have the opportunity to bring the energy, passion and focus to hydropower that we have utilised for so many other renewable energy sources”.
TotalEnergies buys into UK-Morocco power export plan
“This innovative project will benefit from our track record in developing large and complex integrated energy projects.”
Wheels begin to turn for Coega Green Ammonia
SLR said there would be a “blend” of renewable energy resources in order to provide power 24 hours a day.
Africa’s delayed manufacturing revolution
“As a result, market confidence in South Africa’s utility-scale public procurement appears too low to underpin industrial and inclusive development on its own,” the report said.
Financing and fossil fuels in Africa’s energy transition
“It’s transition on our own terms, with our own resources. We need to get smarter about how we articulate that, not as victims, or as people to be allowed to do things,” said Yvonne Ike, head of sub-Saharan Africa at Bank of America. “We need to work with the countries that get it, so from the Gulf, from Asia.”
WATT competes for Nigeria’s generation hopes
“Diesel may win out as being the easy choice,” Alexander said, but it poses other challenges around maintenance and lifespan. “When we started, the conversation around diesel was on cutting costs – and we are still able to do that. We can offer 30-40% cost savings.”
IFC’s magical thinking distorted the case for solar in Africa
Emery said that senior leaders at the IFC had undermined the “ambitious and thoughtfully designed” plan through a desire to “tell a magical story where a pinch of best practices and a dash of de-risking” would be enough to unlock the required financing.
Xlinks signs up Abu Dhabi funding for ambitious Morocco-UK link
The project could create 10,000 jobs in Morocco during construction, of which 2,000 will be permanent. In the UK, Xlinks believes it could create 1,350 permanent jobs.
South Africa denies bending rules on REIPPPP
The first five bidders, named in December, were to build 860 MW of capacity. The ministry was seeking 1,000 MW. The DMRE said the IPP office and the bid adjudication committee had recommended Ngonyama.
Sonelgaz seeks EPC contractors for solar PV tender
“Our country has, in addition to the advantages in the energy sources from gas and oil, significant potential in the field of solar energy, a vast electricity network, and national and international natural gas transport infrastructure, as well as an industrial fabric”, he said.
South Africa bails out Eskom, cuts tax for private power
The government has said it is keen to establish – with Eskom, Treasury and the Department of Public Enterprises – a means to build new transmission infrastructure. This would allow more private sector participation in transmission, it said.
Grid by community grid, Zola targets the world’s power problem
Zola is now operating in 12 countries, which Lenihan described as “enough markets for now”. The current priority is to build up relevance in the countries where it is now.
Sasol launches solar car competition – with bonus pothole challenge
The Brunel Solar Team won in 2022, covering 3,780 km, just 10 km more than the runners up Agoria.
Omnia signs up to decarbonise ammonia with PNE
The statement noted that green ammonia produced domestically would reduce South Africa’s reliance on imports and the strain on its overburdened rail network.
Masdar to develop 5 GW in three African states
The plan involves developing 2 GW of renewable energy in Angola, 1 GW in Uganda and 2 GW in Zambia. The agreement with Zambia set out plans to work on wind, solar and hydropower.
Shell completes purchase of Daystar in power move
Daystar increased its installed capacity by 135% in 2022 to 44 MW.
Eni celebrates Tunisia PV start
Eni has started producing power at a solar photovoltaic (PV) facility in Tunisia, connected up to the national grid.
South Africa picks more renewable energy plans
South Africa has announced preferred bidders for Bid Window 6 and struck a number of power purchase agreements (PPAs) for Bid Window 5 projects.
Total Eren, Chariot sign up to power mine with solar PV
Total Eren and Chariot have agreed to build a solar photovoltaic (PV) project to supply power to the Karo platinum project in Zimbabwe.
AMEA reaches financial close to double capacity in Egypt
AMEA Power has reached financial close on its plan to build 1 GW of renewable energy projects in Egypt, with a $1.1 billion investment.
PIC makes hydrogen pledge amid industrialisation drive
South Africa’s Public Investment Corporation (PIC) has adopted a hydrogen investment strategy as it works to attract cash to the growing sector.
Eni, Sonatrach ramp up solar efforts in Berkine Basin
Eni and Sonatrach have ceremonially laid the first stone for a 10 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) plant at Bir Rebaa North (BRN), in southeast Algeria.