Local leaders toured the Isle of Grain site as NeuConnect continues to make good construction progress on the first GB-Germany electricity link.
Senior representatives from Medway Council this month visited NeuConnect’s converter station site on the Isle of Grain to review progress on one of the UK’s most significant energy infrastructure projects. The NeuConnect Interconnector will create the first direct power link between Germany and Great Britain, with new converter stations on the Isle of Grain in Medway and in the Wilhemshaven region in Lower Saxony.
Construction is well underway on the project and will see around 725km of land and subsea cables connect two of Europe’s largest energy markets, enabling up to 1.4GW of electricity to flow in either direction – enough to power up to 1.5 million homes over the life of the project. Led by global investors Meridiam, Allianz, Kansai Electric Power, and TEPCO, this pioneering project will strengthen energy security and support decarbonisation in the UK and Germany.
Councillor Vince Maple, Leader of Medway Council, and Councillor Harinder Mahil, Portfolio Holder for Economic and Social Regeneration and Inward Investment, toured the site alongside NeuConnect’s leadership team and main contractor Siemens Energy. The itinerary included a project briefing and a visit to the viewing gallery overlooking the Converter Station site, where the steel super structure is taking shape above ground.
Councillors hear details of the NeuConnect project during a briefing
The visit also highlighted NeuConnect’s social value initiatives, including its work experience initiative for local students, funding for community projects, and creation of vital opportunities in the local supply chain.
Fantastic work
Cllr Vince Maple, Leader of Medway Council, said: “It was fantastic to join the team at NeuConnect to see first hand the fantastic work which is ongoing. As well as being great for our local economy with new jobs, use of local suppliers and great opportunities for our local young people through the work experience initiative this project will lead to a more resilient energy provision for millions of households across the UK. I’m incredibly proud this is happening right here in Medway.”
Greener, more resilient energy
Lead Construction Manager for NeuConnect Bruce Harrison, said: "We were delighted to welcome Medway’s leadership to see first-hand the scale and progress of this transformative project. NeuConnect will play a vital role in delivering a greener, more resilient energy future for the UK and Europe, and is already providing local benefits to the community in Medway through our Community Fund and support for educational programmes."
For further information on the NeuConnect project visit their website.