NeuConnect Undersea Project to Link Energy Markets of Germany and UK

The NeuConnect Project, which will create the first interconnector or direct power link between Germany and Great Britain, connecting two of Europe’s largest energy markets is making a move as contracts of £1.5 billion have been awarded by its consortium for the development of undersea link for electricity transmission between Europe’s two largest economies – Germany and the United Kingdom.

NeuConnect says that the project is mainly about laying the subsea cables for the flow of 1.4 GW of electricity to pass in the two-way directions between the two countries to power 1.5 million homes.

The project will help the countries to expand their renewable energy base and trade through.

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According to NeuConnect, Prysmian Group and Siemens Energy will develop cabling works and converter stations. Designing, manufacturing, installing, testing and commissioning of the interconnector will be done by Prysmian Group and Siemens Energy will be responsible for building two converter stations, one each in Germany and the UK.

The project will help displace about 16 million tonnes of CO2. The link will be about 450 miles or 725km long and it will be the first direct link between the energy markets of Germany and the UK. The project is privately financed. It’s being called the ‘invisible energy highway.’

The Russia-Ukraine conflict has compelled the NeuConnect project to gain speed as it was pending for long. Julia Prescot, Chairman of NeuConnect Board, said, “The need for more secure, sustainable energy infrastructure has never been greater, so we are pleased to reach another key milestone on the NeuConnect project, bringing this vital new energy link an important step closer.”

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Prescot added, “The selection of two world-class contractors gives us huge momentum and keeps us on track to reach financial close in the coming weeks and begin major construction work later this year.”

The interconnector project is being financed by global investors like Meridiam, Allianz Capital Partners and Kansai Electric Power. The work is expected to begin later in 2022.

NeuConnect said that upon completion, the UK will tap into the vast energy infrastructure in Germany, including its significant renewable energy sources. The surplus wind power in Germany will find a suitable market in the UK.

NeuConnect also added that the new link with Britain will help ease Germany’s current bottlenecks where wind turbines are frequently powered-down due to an excess of renewable energy being created.