NeuConnect’s progress & economic benefits also highlighted during UK-German State Visit

New details show that the UK-German energy project NeuConnect is not only creating a vital new energy link for Europe, it is also delivering a range of local benefits around its UK construction site at the Isle of Grain in Kent, including supporting local jobs, creating business opportunities for local companies, and funding a series of community initiatives.

The local benefits were welcomed by constituency MP Lauren Edwards who met with NeuConnect’s chair Julia Prescot this week. NeuConnect’s continued progress and the project’s positive economic impacts were also highlighted as part of this week’s historic UK-German State Visit, with Government announcements setting out how “work on NeuConnect, the £2.4 billion UK-German energy link, moves forward at pace…creating an ‘invisible energy highway’ between Europe’s two largest energy markets”.

Led by global investors Meridiam, Allianz, Kansai Electric Power and TEPCO, NeuConnect will become one of the world’s largest interconnectors with new Converter Stations being built on the Isle of Grain in Kent and Wilhelmshaven in northern Germany to be connected by 725km of land and subsea cables. The new link will boost energy security in the UK and Germany and allow 1.4GW of electricity to flow in either direction – enough to power up to 1.5 million homes. With major construction well underway, the latest details compiled by NeuConnect and main contractor Siemens Energy show how the project’s UK construction site is helping to:

Support local jobs – NeuConnect’s Isle of Grain construction site averages around 150 people, with both NeuConnect and main contractor Siemens Energy directly employing staff from local areas. The latest figures show that over 60% of site workers were from the local area, with the remaining 40% of workers also using local accommodation options which is offering an added boost to the local economy;

Boost the local economy with supply chain opportunities – The major construction activities at the Isle of Grain site have created a range of opportunities for local businesses throughout Kent, including:

• Aylesford-based Gallagher Group and Maidstone-based Now Construction involved in the Converter Station construction, including investing in a new concrete batching plant close to site;
• Small electrical works being provided by Amped Electrical Solutions from Rochester; GBE Services in Rochester used for landfill management; and building services provided by Dartford-based NG Bailey;
• London Thamesport located on the Isle of Grain being used for equipment delivery;
• Onsite catering provided by Rose’s Tea Room on the Isle of Grain; and Rochester-based Molly Maid used for on-site cleaning services

Deliver local education and community initiatives 

• NeuConnect and contractors Siemens Energy and Prysmian deliver an annual work experience programme for local students interested incareers in construction, engineering, and energy
• The programme has supported over 30 students in 2024 and 2025 from The Robert Napier School in Gillingham and St John Fisher School in Rochester, including presentations from NeuConnect and its contractors; practical exercises; visits to the NeuConnect site; and help with ‘Mock Interviews’
• In 2024, the NeuConnect Community Fund was launched to provide annual funding for a range of local projects and initiatives. So far, the NeuConnect Community Fund has helped to fund vital repairs to Grain Village Hall, and the installation of solar panels on fisherman’s huts in Whitstable, Kent as well as West Mersea Fisherman’s Association in Essex.

NeuConnect’s Chair Julia Prescot CBE met this week with Lauren Edwards MP, in whose constituency NeuConnect’s Isle of Grain construction site is based. Lauren Edwards MP said: “NeuConnect represents a vital step forward in strengthening our energy infrastructure, boosting economic growth, and delivering real benefits for local people. I’m delighted to see the new jobs and skills this project is creating locally, and, critically, the role it plays in the UK’s wider transition to clean energy.

“Projects like NeuConnect not only enhance UK energy security but also showcase local talent, innovation, and collaboration. I look forward to working together to ensure these opportunities are maximised for Rochester and Strood residents.”

Chair of NeuConnect, Julia Prescot CBE, said: “These latest details show that NeuConnect is not only a vital new energy link for the UK and Germany, it is also making an important contribution to the local economy and local community. We are determined to be a good neighbour to the Isle of Grain, and it is fantastic to see local workers and many local businesses playing their part in our continued progress, as well as the positive impacts of the community and local education initiatives we are helping to fund.  

“NeuConnect were also honoured to be highlighted during this week’s State Visit, and we are grateful for the continued support from the UK and German Governments, together with Lauren Edwards MP and Medway Council.”

The NeuConnect project is expected to be operational by 2028. For further information on NeuConnect, please visit neuconnect-interconnector.com.