[KarlKemp]

It’d be stupid to run a cable straight through the EU, as well, yes. You want to be part of a large and diverse grid. Then, you add or reinforce long-distance connections based on observed patterns.

So the UK should get over itself, connect to larger grid that’s already operating on three sides. The same is probably true for Morocco, and at some point these photovoltaic-in-the-desert ideas will become economical, although I’m not entirely sure if we are there yet (the desert is less ideal for solar cells than one thinks, because heat isn’t linear proportional to irradiation).

[sgt101]

It is connected, via France.

There was a fire recently, but it's a strategic connection.

https://ifa1interconnector.com/

Also the UK is connected to Norway

https://northsealink.com/

And Ireland also

https://www.eirgridgroup.com/customer-and-industry/interconn...

[masklinn]

> It’d be stupid to run a cable straight through the EU, as well, yes.

Politically, maybe. Technically and financially, not at all.

There’s 3GW of interconnection between france and the UK with a 4th under construction, and france is a broker / hub between germany, italy, spain, and the UK (as well as its own production).

[justincormack]

France won’t let solar from Spain into their grid as it undermines their nuclear financing. So from Morocco is off the table. A Spain UK connection was planned and seems sensible.

[masklinn]

> France won’t let solar from Spain into their grid as it undermines their nuclear financing.

Complete nonsense. France buys renewable electricity from neighbours all the time, both for itself and to sell to other neighbours. France also sells its own electricity.

A new interconnect between france and Spain is under construction (the biscay bay line), in order to bring the exchange capacity between them up to 5GW.