Norton Rose Fulbright Guides TotalEnergies in Xlinks Investment 

Global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright has provided legal counsel to TotalEnergies in its strategic minority investment in Xlinks First (Xlinks), as part of the groundbreaking Xlinks Morocco-UK Power Project.  

This unique initiative involves the development of long-distance renewable energy generation, battery storage, and cross-border export capabilities. Xlinks aims to establish the world’s longest high-voltage direct current subsea cables spanning 3,800km between Morocco and the UK. The project, centered in the Guelmim Oued Noun region of Morocco, will feature an 11.5GW electricity generation facility powered by solar and wind energy, complemented by a battery storage facility.  

This investment marks the conclusion of Xlinks’ initial funding round, following contributions from Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA) and Octopus Energy earlier in 2023. 

The Norton Rose Fulbright team was led out of London by Partner Andrew Davies (pictured), assisted by Senior Associate Sam Morrey, Associate Francesca Walker, and Trainees Craig Langsdale and Hector Ribeiro. 

Andrew Davies commented: 

“The Xlinks Morocco-UK Power Project will be a first-of-a-kind renewable energy generation and battery storage facility, and is indicative of the pioneering projects required to secure our long-term energy supply as part of the energy transition. It was a pleasure to support our long-standing client, TotalEnergies, in connection with this transaction, which builds on a number of other energy transition-related transactions we have advised them on recently. We have a strong track record in supporting clients with leading energy M&A, joint venture and equity investment transactions, and this transaction forms part of a trend of increased interest from major energy players in pursuing strategic minority investments.” 

Further advice was provided by Partner Stephen Rigby (Corporate); Partner Ian Giles, Senior Associate Shaha El Sheemy and Associate Maria Cristina Cancilleri (Antitrust); Partner Matt Hodkin and Senior Associate Will Scott (Tax); Partner Chris Down and Counsel Suncica Miletic (Projects); and Partner Mike Knapper and Trainee Maria Mercedes Stajszczyk (IP). Partners Alain Malek and Simon Cudennec, Counsel Anne–Laure Bernard–Bouissieres, Arnaud Sanz and Mathieu Dahan, and Associate Yasmine Najid advised on Moroccan law aspects.