The Neu Connect project, which will create the first interconnector or direct power link between Germany and the UK, linking two of Europe's largest energy markets, is making moves as its consortium has awarded a £1.5bn contract to use for the development of subsea links for power transmission between Germany and the UK, two of Europe's largest economies.

Neu Connect said the project is primarily about laying submarine cables that will allow 1.4 gigawatts of electricity to flow bi-directionally between the two countries, powering 1.5 million homes. The project will help countries expand their renewable energy base and trade. Prysmian Group and Siemens Energy will develop the wiring works and the converter station. The design, manufacture, installation, testing and commissioning of the interconnectors will be done by Prysmian Group, and Siemens Energy will be responsible for the construction of two converter stations, one each in Germany and the UK.

The project will help displace about 16 million tons of carbon dioxide. The link will be around 450 miles or 725 kilometers long and will be the first direct link between the German and UK energy markets. The project is privately funded. It's called the "invisible energy highway." Russia's conflict with Ukraine has forced the Neu Connect project to speed up because it's been waiting so long. Julia Prescot, Chair of the Neu Connect Board of Directors, said: "The need for a safer and more sustainable energy infrastructure has never been greater, so we are delighted to have reached another key milestone on the Neu Connect project, enabling this important new energy link The project is one step closer to an important step."

Prescot added: "The selection of two world-class contractors has given us tremendous momentum, allowing us to achieve financial close in the coming weeks and begin major construction work in 2022." Interconnection project by Meridiam, Allianz Global investors such as Capital Partners and Kansai Electric Power provided funding. The work is expected to begin later in 2022. Keywords: engineering construction, engineering news

When complete, the UK will tap into Germany's vast energy infrastructure, including its significant renewable energy sources, Neu Connect said. Germany's remaining wind power will find a suitable market in the UK. Neu Connect also added that the new link with the UK will help alleviate Germany's current bottleneck, whereby wind turbines are frequently out of power due to generating too much renewable energy.Editor/XingWentao