With over 350 kilometers of offshore and onshore cable laid, the NeuConnect high-voltage submarine cable that will create the first direct energy transmission link between the UK and Germany has reached the halfway point in its cabling program.
The milestone comes as NeuConnect marks the third anniversary since major onshore construction work began in July 2023, and coincides with the first anniversary of the Kensington Treaty which the UK and German Governments signed last July to establish closer ties between the countries.
British Ambassador to Germany, Andrew Mitchell, said: “As we mark the first anniversary of the Kensington Treaty, this project is a clear example of how strong UK-German cooperation delivers real benefits for both our countries. As the first direct energy link between the UK and Germany, NeuConnect will strengthen energy security, deepen our economic partnership, and support our shared climate ambitions. I am encouraged by the progress achieved so far, which demonstrates the value of closer bilateral partnership in the energy sector.”
Italy’s Prysmian Group is in charge of the cabling program as the main contractor. Subsea cabling began in late 2024, with the cable-laying vessel (CLV) Leonardo da Vinci having completed works in UK waters in March, continuing into Dutch waters and on towards Germany.
As for onshore works, it was reported in May that Siemens Energy had delivered all 14 transformers for the link. The 24-meter-high and 70-meter-wide converter station buildings in both the UK and Germany have reached full height, with cladding works well underway.
Besides the construction, NeuConnect is working on reaching key commercial arrangements, IT systems and processes ahead of the start of operations. Earlier this year, Supercharge was appointed as the project’s market integration platform provider.
Led by global investors Meridiam, Allianz, Kansai Electric Power and TEPCO, NeuConnect will create an “invisible energy highway” capable of transferring 1.4 GW of electricity, enough to power 1.5 million homes, in either direction, with converter stations on the Isle of Grain in Kent and Wilhelmshaven in northern Germany.
Construction work at the UK site on the Isle of Grain began in the summer of 2023, with construction in Germany following in May 2024. The interconnector is expected to be operational by 2028.
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