NeuConnect Interconnector Has Entered Fit-Out Phase
The 1.4GW project between the UK and Germany reached a new construction milestone for grid integration by 2028.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Data Centers
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The NeuConnect interconnector has entered the mechanical and electrical fit-out phase, marking a transition to internal infrastructure work at its converter stations. This 1.4GW energy link is designed to enable electricity transfer between British and German grids.
Why it matters
The project serves as a critical infrastructure bridge for cross-border power sharing, aiming to optimize renewable energy distribution. It is projected to reduce CO₂ emissions by 13 million tonnes over its first 25 years of operation.
The €2.8 billion project features a 725km high-voltage cable route connecting converter stations in the UK and Germany. The UK site alone required 2,000 tonnes of structural steel and 5,700 cubic metres of concrete for its primary slab.
The players
Siemens Energy
A global energy firm specializing in transmission technology, grid stability infrastructure, and high-voltage converter stations.
Prysmian
An international manufacturer of high-capacity electrical cables and telecommunications infrastructure solutions for energy projects.
The details
Construction teams have shifted focus from foundational structural work to installing HVAC, control-room systems, and internal electrical cabling. To secure the 725km line, teams employed horizontal directional drilling—a method using a surface-level rig to drill a curved path for pipes or cables—to place cabling beneath coastal zones. Siemens Energy has also finalized the installation of 1,800 piles at the German site to support the station structure.
Timeline
July 2026: More than 350km of cabling was installed.
2028: NeuConnect expects to begin commercial operations.
The Tech Race
The project follows the cross-border integration strategy set by the ENTSO-E Ten-Year Network Development Plan. It marks a significant expansion in high-voltage direct current (HVDC) capacity as the industry races to link disparate national grids.
The connection will enable more efficient energy sharing between the UK and Germany once commercial operations begin in 2028. It specifically impacts grid stability and carbon footprint targets for the respective national energy markets.
The takeaway
NeuConnect signals a shift toward massive scale in European energy interconnectors, aiming for grid-wide balancing. Watch for the 2028 commercial launch date to verify the project's capacity to stabilize power loads and meet emission reduction targets.
Further reading
For broader trends in large-scale energy infrastructure, see our coverage of Data Centers.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Maritime Journal.
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