Fit-out works are currently underway on the converter stations in Germany and the UK for NeuConnect, a high-voltage submarine cable that will create the first direct energy transmission link between the two countries.
The construction of the 24-meter-high, 70-meter-wide converter hall buildings reached full height earlier this year, allowing main contractor Siemens Energy to start the internal and external fit-out phase that will see key mechanical and electrical systems being installed.
At the UK converter station, the transformers, each being 7 meters long, 5 meters tall and weighing over 200 tons, have been moved into position, while at both the UK and German sites work is underway to fit the transformers with equipment and accessories.
As for the internal works on the converter stations, they include cable trays, ladders and heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) ducting being installed throughout, while external works are continuing with cladding works underway in Germany and nearing completion in the UK. Other external works include installing guttering and drainage equipment, and preparing site roads for tarmacking to help form access routes across all parts of the converter station sites.
Furthermore, in Germany, the AC switchyard has seen a number of trellis-type support towers constructed that will hold key overhead equipment.
NeuConnect CEO Arnaud Grévoz said: “NeuConnect’s construction is moving into an important new phase as we start to install the key systems and equipment that will help to power this vital new UK-German energy link. With our onshore Converter Stations taking shape and offshore cabling works also well over halfway, we are making good progress and remain firmly on track.”
Led by global investors Meridiam, Allianz, Kansai Electric Power and TEPCO, NeuConnect will create an “invisible energy highway” capable of transferring 1.4 GW of electricity, enough to power 1.5 million homes, in either direction, with converter stations on the Isle of Grain in Kent and Wilhelmshaven in northern Germany.
Construction work at the UK site on the Isle of Grain began in the summer of 2023 , with construction in Germany following in May 2024 . The interconnector is expected to be operational by 2028.