First look at proposals for new electricity interconnector

13 November 2018

The local community in the Isle of Grain, Kent, will be given the opportunity to view proposals for the NeuConnect Interconnector for the first time at a public information event next week.

The NeuConnect Interconnector will create the first direct link between Germany and Great Britain, connecting two of Europe’s largest energy markets for the first time.

Around 700km of subsea cables will form an ‘invisible highway’ allowing up to 1.4GW of electricity to move in either direction, enough to power tens of millions of homes over the life of the project.

The fully-financed £1.4bn interconnector scheme is being developed by an international, experienced consortium with a proven track record in delivering large-scale energy infrastructure projects.

The developers of the project are inviting all those in the local community with an interest in the project to attend a public information event which will take place:

On: Wednesday 21 November 2018
Between: 3 – 7 pm
At: Isle of Grain Village Hall, Chapel Road, Isle of Grain, Rochester, ME3 0BY

David Inglis, CEO of NeuConnect Britain Limited, commented: “Our public information event is an opportunity to introduce the local community to the NeuConnect Interconnector. Members of the project team will be on hand to discuss our emerging proposals and answer questions.

“The NeuConnect Interconnector has the potential to deliver a range of important national and local benefits.

“By allowing electricity to flow in either direction between Germany and Great Britain, the new link will significantly increase choice and competition in each market. This will help lead to millions of consumers and businesses benefitting from reduced electricity prices.

“The delivery of the project will also create significant economic benefits with up to £1bn worth of contract and business opportunities available. The project will support up to 500 jobs during construction.”

In August 2018, the project was granted a UK Interconnector Licence by regulators OFGEM.

NeuConnect has said the project is currently going through a period of further development before the formal planning process and consultation activity begins, although it anticipates submitting a planning application to Medway Council in mid-2019.

NeuConnect is targeting 2023 for project completion, helping meet Great Britain and Germany’s future energy needs and delivering significant benefits for consumers, businesses and industry in less than 5 years.

The local community can contact the NeuConnect Community Engagement team via freephone on 0800 298 7040 or via email at neuconnect@communityfeedback.co.uk.

Further information on the project is available at www.neuconnect-interconnector.com.