The €2.8bn NeuConnect Interconnector project, set to establish the first direct energy link between the UK and Germany, has achieved the completion of its initial phase of cabling works on land and in the UK waters.
Backed by global investors Allianz Capital Partners, Meridiam, Kansai Electric Power, and TEPCO, the new electricity transmission link is said to become one of the world’s largest energy interconnectors.
It will connect converter stations in Kent’s Isle of Grain and Wilhelmshaven in northern Germany through 725km of land and subsea cables, forming an “invisible energy highway.”
The NeuConnect project will enable the bidirectional flow of 1.4GW of electricity. This is enough to power up to 1.5 million households, enhancing energy security and supporting the integration of renewable energy in both markets.
Construction activities at the NeuConnect project started last year. Foundation works for the UK converter station are underway, while piling works have started for the German converter station.
NeuConnect chair Julia Prescot said: “Completing this first phase of cabling is a major milestone for NeuConnect and an important symbolic moment for the UK and Germany as a major new energy link between both countries begins to take shape.
“As one of the world’s longest interconnectors, this phase of works is very much a first stage in a much longer 725km cabling marathon – we are pleased to have reached this important milestone but are not complacent about the scale of works to be completed, and close working with our industry partners will be crucial in keeping this vital new energy link firmly on track.”
The first phase of cabling work was led by the contractor Prysmian. This stage included the installation of 56km of onshore and subsea cables.
Prysmian’s Cable Enterprise vessel has been laying subsea cables in UK waters, burying them beneath the seabed to protect the marine environment and minimise impacts.
In addition, the NeuConnect project involved pulling subsea cables through a series of new underground ducts along the Isle of Grain coastline to NeuConnect’s onshore site.
Cabling works are set to resume in 2025, with NeuConnect’s extensive cabling programme extending through UK, Dutch, and German waters until 2027.
The NeuConnect project will deploy 525kV high voltage direct current (HVDC) cables to establish a secure and efficient energy connection between the UK and Germany upon the project’s completion in 2028.
