The Morocco-UK Power Project, which aims to transport solar and wind energy from the Moroccan Sahara to the UK by 2030, has sparked concerns among residents of North Devon, England, about potential long-term disruptions.
“I was devastated,” said Tony Sloan, 76, a local resident, in a statement to the BBC. Sloan, who with his wife built their retirement home in the area, described it as their “perfect paradise.”
His wife, Ann Sloan, 75, expressed unease about the project’s massive scale. She fears that the area’s peaceful environment, known for its natural sounds, will be marred by noise, lights, heavy machinery, and drilling activities.
Tony Sloan shared his wife’s concerns, questioning how the area would retain its appeal to tourists amidst such substantial disruption.
The project, deemed of national importance, aims to produce carbon-free electricity for over 7 million British homes, with energy expected to be delivered during peak evening hours, according to James Humfrey, Chief Executive Officer of Xlinks.
Humfrey acknowledged the residents’ concerns and committed to addressing them. He stressed the project’s significance in reducing the UK’s carbon dioxide emissions and emphasized the company’s dedication to minimizing construction disruptions. Measures to reduce traffic, noise, and work hours will be implemented, and project plans have been adjusted based on public feedback, Humfrey said.
Despite these assurances, David Lomas, 69, a farmer whose land will serve as the onshore landing point for the cables, remains skeptical. He worries about losing 20% of his productive agricultural land and the anticipated disruption to the local community and landowners for at least five years.
