Australian mining billionaire Andrew “Twiggy” Forrest is spearheading a $51 billion initiative aimed at powering the United Kingdom with solar energy harnessed from the deserts of Morocco.
This massive project represents one of the most ambitious renewable energy efforts ever attempted combining global political cooperation, high-tech energy infrastructure, and environmental vision.
Forrest, best known for transforming Fortescue Metals Group into a green energy focused enterprise, is in active discussions with Britain’s Energy Secretary, Ed Miliband, to bring his solar energy dream to fruition.
At the heart of this project is the development of a 4,000 kilometre undersea cable that would transmit electricity generated in Morocco directly to the British power grid. This cable would be one of the longest of its kind in the world and a significant feat of engineering.
This project is more than just a technological endeavor, it’s also a statement of purpose. Forrest has been an outspoken advocate for ending fossil fuel dependence, pushing instead for scalable green solutions such as green hydrogen and ammonia.
His collaboration with Morocco’s state-owned phosphate company, OCP Group, already focuses on the supply of these clean energy alternatives. The new solar venture builds on that partnership and aims to elevate Morocco as a central player in the global renewable energy market.
The UK, which has struggled with energy insecurity due to geopolitical tensions and fluctuating fossil fuel prices, stands to gain significantly from this partnership. If successful, the Morocco to UK solar corridor could secure a long-term, sustainable energy source for millions of British homes and businesses. It also aligns with Britain’s goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050.
Morocco is an ideal partner in this endeavor. The country boasts vast expanses of desert with some of the highest solar irradiance levels on Earth. Its government, under the leadership of Energy Minister Leila Benali, has already made significant strides in positioning Morocco as a renewable energy hub in North Africa.
Benali recently visited London to showcase Morocco’s clean energy capabilities to British officials, including Miliband. Her presence underscored the seriousness with which both countries are treating the initiative.
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The project hasn’t been without its distractions. Last year, the media speculated about a personal connection between Forrest and Minister Benali after photos surfaced of the billionaire embracing a woman in Paris, alleged to be Benali.
Both parties have denied any romantic involvement, and Benali labeled the reports as offensive. Regardless of the rumors, their respective commitments to energy transformation remain undisputed.
This public interest in Forrest’s private life has grown since his announcement of separation from his wife of 31 years, Nicola Forrest. Despite the split, both have emphasized their continued collaboration on various philanthropic and business ventures, including Fortescue, Minderoo Foundation, and Tattarang Capital. The former couple remains united in their mission to transition Fortescue into the world’s leading green energy and green metals company.
Meanwhile, Forrest’s international recognition continues to grow. Recently, he was honored by Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in the world, not only for his business acumen but also for his philanthropic work and commitment to tackling global challenges such as climate change and modern slavery.
This latest endeavor between Morocco and the UK reflects a new era of transcontinental energy corporations. With climate change threatening global stability, such collaborations are no longer optional; they are essential. Leila Benali emphasized this during her recent speech at the London Summit on the Future of Energy Security, urging radical transformation of global infrastructure to ensure a sustainable energy future.
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Forrest’s passion project is not just about the energy business, it’s about setting a new standard for international collaboration, private-sector initiative, and governmental support. If realized, this endeavor could serve as a blueprint for similar projects worldwide, especially in regions where abundant renewable resources remain untapped due to lack of infrastructure or investment.
The coming years will be critical in determining whether the Morocco to UK solar link can overcome its logistical, political, and technological challenges. But for now, Forrest’s vision stands as a testament to what’s possible when ambition meets innovation and global cooperation.
As the world watches, this $51 billion bet on the sun could be the spark that ignites a greener, more connected energy future for us all.
