Prior Information Notice - RFI - Xlinks Morocco-UK Power Project HVDC Converters

The Xlinks Morocco-UK Power Project is being developed by Xlinks First as the principal developer. The Xlinks Morocco-UK Power Project is a multi-technology renewable energy project of circa 11 GW generated in Morocco with a combination of solar, wind and in-land power transmission, coupled with energy storage. The electricity produced by the Moroccan generation facilities will be transported exclusively to Great Britain through dedicated 4,000 km HVDC onshore and offshore transmission infrastructure delivering 3.6GW, which will serve up to 8% of Great Britain’s electricity needs. The HVDC system is comprised of two separate bi-poles, providing two separate connections in the UK. The Project comprises four key elements: Generation: covering all the generation assets (wind, solar, BESS) with their related civil and electrical works up to the HVDC converters in Morocco. HVDC Converter Stations: in Morocco and the UK. HVDC Onshore Transmission: covering onshore transmission in Morocco (underground cables and overhead line) and in the UK (underground cable) HVDC Offshore Transmission: submarine HVDC cable between the Moroccan and UK landing points Xlinks First is in the process of finalising the contracting strategy for the Project. This Prior Information Notice relates to the HVDC converter stations. Potential suppliers are being invited to respond to a Request for Information, including an expression of interest for some or all of the Scope of Works for the HVDC Converter Stations. These companies are requested to register in Delta eSourcing (via the link provided above) to access further information. The HVDC system comprises two electrically separated bipoles, each with a 1.8GW connection to the UK grid. The entire Converter Station Scope of Works will encompass: For Bipole 1: 2 Converter stations. 1 x circa 2200MW in Morocco and 1 x 1800MW in UK and all works associated with the HVDC Converter Stations for one bipole, including foundation and structural works; HVAC cable in UK for one bipole and Grid Connection in UK for one bipole; HVAC cable in Morocco for one bipole. For Bipole 2: 2 Converter stations. 1 x circa 2200MW in Morocco and 1 x 1800MW in UK and all works associated with the HVDC Converter Stations for one bipole, including foundation and structural works; HVAC cable in UK for one bipole and Grid Connection in UK for one bipole; HVAC cable in Morocco for one bipole. Please note that a similar RFI is underway for the HVDC transmission infrastructure scope of works for the Project (including onshore and offshore HVDC cables, onshore overhead line and associated works). Once Xlinks First has received responses from participants, Xlinks First may initiate further discussions with potential suppliers before finalising its procurement strategy. Once the procurement strategy is confirmed, Xlinks First will proceed to launch the procurement events.