Germany/UK subsea connector enters new phase
The first direct power link between Germany and the UK has moved ahead with 5,000 tons of concrete poured to begin a giant converter station and subsea cabling work now under way.
The €2.8 billion NeuConnect project will be one of the world’s largest interconnectors, and will connect Wilhelmshaven in northern Germany with the Isle of Grain in Kent.
Around 725km of land and subsea cables will transmit 1.4GW of electricity between the two locations in both directions, with the aim of boosting energy security in both countries.
The 5,000 tons of concrete has been poured as part of a 17,000m2 base for the UK’s converter station, which had Siemens Energy piling works carried out earlier this year, in total 1,800 piles being drilled and set.
Offshore cabling, being undertaken by cabling giant Prysmian, is under way and expected to be completed by 2027, when trial operations will begin.
“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 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,” said Chair of NeuConnect Julia Prescot.
The 525kV HVDC cables will require horizontal direction drilling works onshore, already completed in the UK, to be carried out in Germany.
The project is being led by global investors Meridiam, Allianz Capital Partners, Kansai Electric Power and TEPCO.
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