German Federal Network Agency confirms NeuConnect in 2019-2030 grid development plan

The Federal Network Agency in Germany (BNetzA) has confirmed the NeuConnect interconnector project in its 2019-2030 grid development plan which sets out the demand assessment for the expansion of the electricity grid in Germany over the next decade.

In making its decision BNetzA highlighted the economic benefits of NeuConnect, saying that “Both the added value for the energy industry and the climate compatibility appear positive”. According to the Bonn regulatory authority, NeuConnect has an overall positive added value for consumers in Germany, in particular by avoiding grid stabilisation costs (redispatch costs).

Christophe Vanhove, CEO of NeuConnect, welcomed the decision of the BNetzA as a further milestone in the delivery of NeuConnect. He said: “The decision of the BNetzA in Germany is very important for us and allows us to continue making good progress in the planning and delivery of this vital project. With this decision, the German government confirms the energy and economic benefits of NeuConnect. NeuConnect will support the energy turnaround in Germany and help to relieve German electricity customers of unnecessary redispatch costs.”

The text of the BNetzA’s decision is available from https://data.netzausbau.de/2030-2019/NEP/NEP2019-2030_Bestaetigung.pdf on p.283.

NeuConnect is a fully privately-financed interconnector that will create the first direct link between UK and German networks. The 700km new link between the Isle of Grain in Kent and Wilhelmshaven in Northern Germany will allow 1.4GW of electricity to flow in either direction – enough to power 35 million homes over the life of the project.

Connecting two of Europe’s largest energy markets for the first time will deliver a more diverse, resilient and sustainable electricity supply in Germany and the UK, while also helping to lower costs for consumers.

NeuConnect is being developed by an international, experienced consortium that includes Meridiam, Allianz Capital Partners on behalf of Allianz Group and Kansai Electric Power, with the project also supported by Greenage Power and Frontier Power as developers. The key partners bring a proven track record in delivering large-scale energy infrastructure.