NeuConnect has announced the completion of the first phase of cabling works on land and in UK waters for its £2.4bn ($3.03bn) electricity interconnector project.
The project will establish the first direct energy link between the UK and Germany, two of Europe's largest energy markets.
New converter stations on the Isle of Grain in Kent, UK and in Wilhelmshaven, northern Germany, will be linked by 725km of land and subsea cables.
Prysmian’s Cable Enterprise vessel has laid subsea cables in UK waters, burying them beneath the seabed to protect the marine environment and minimise impact.
The initial phase also included pull-in works, with cables routed through new underground ducts on the Isle of Grain coastline to NeuConnect's onshore site. In total, 56km of cables have been installed in the first stage.
Major construction for NeuConnect began in 2023, with foundation works on the UK converter station now at peak activity. Piling works have also commenced for the new converter station in Germany.
The project is led by global investors Meridiam, Allianz Capital Partners, Kansai Electric Power and TEPCO.
Once operational in 2028, the interconnector will have a capacity of 1.4GW, capable of powering 1.5 million homes.
It will enhance energy security and facilitate the integration of renewable energy sources within the UK and Germany.
Cabling installation will resume after a winter pause, with plans to accelerate in late 2025.
The extensive cabling programme, involving the installation of 525kV high voltage direct current cables, will continue through UK, Dutch and German waters until 2027.
NeuConnect chair Julia Prescot stated: "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.”
