NeuConnect Interconnector

Whitstable’s fishing industry has received a major sustainability boost after solar panels were installed on 16 of the harbour’s fisherman’s huts.

Supported by the city council and major energy project NeuConnect, the renewable energy project by the Whitstable Fishermen’s Association (WFA) will provide sustainable energy to the huts and enable the town’s fishing community to be more energy efficient.

NeuConnect will create the first direct energy link between UK and Germany, boosting energy security and allowing both countries to share renewable energy. The works will include the construction of a new converter station in Kent and with building work now underway, the NeuConnect Community Fund has been set up to support local projects and organisations.

The project with Whitstable Fishermen’s Association has seen a total of 31 solar panels installed on the south block of the harbour’s huts as well as a battery module for storing any extra electricity generated. The new tech is already generating surplus energy and is providing electricity for the huts and their refrigeration units.

Whitstable Harbour Board Chairman, Cllr Chris Cornell, said: “Fishing is a precarious business at times and any way we can help keep the fleet’s cost lower is good news.

Providing access to more affordable and environmentally-sustainable energy is a win-win for our environment and economy.”

Esther Gilson, of the WFA, added: “The collaboration between Canterbury City Council, the Whitstable Fishermen’s Association and NeuConnect has been fantastic in bringing solar energy to Whitstable Harbour.

“This is phase one of Whitstable Harbour’s solar project, and green energy like this will make a huge difference to our struggling industry, helping to reduce costs and create a more sustainable future for local fishing.”

The money for the £23,000 initiative came from a £16,000 donation from NeuConnect alongside £5,000 from Whitstable Harbour Board, part of Canterbury City Council, with the WFA also making a £2,000 contribution.

Cllr Mel Dawkins, Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, also commented: “Helping to deliver renewable energy projects that reduce the harbour’s carbon footprint forms a key part of the Strategic Plan for Whitstable Harbour… It is yet another stride towards decarbonising council-owned assets as part of our 2030 net zero target.”

CEO of NeuConnect Arnaud Grévoz said: “As a major infrastructure project with construction well underway, NeuConnect is committed to being a good neighbour to local communities. The NeuConnect Community Fund is already supporting a range of local projects in Kent, so we’re delighted to work with Canterbury City Council and the Whitstable Fishermen’s Association to promote the efficient use of energy with these solar panels.”

NeuConnect welcomes submissions to the Community Fund for projects which clearly demonstrate the sustainable, long-term benefits they offer to local communities. To find out more, visit www.neuconnect-interconnector.com/community-fund.

NeuConnect – a vital new energy link between the UK and Germany – launched a new work experience programme, offering Kent students a unique opportunity to learn more about the delivery of one of Europe’s largest projects, and some of the exciting career opportunities in construction and engineering.

Led by global investors Meridiam, Allianz Capital Partners, Kansai Electric Power and TEPCO, the £2.4bn NeuConnect project will become one of the world’s largest interconnectors – new converter stations will be built on the Isle of Grain in Kent and in northern Germany, connected by 725km of land and subsea cables to form an ‘invisible energy highway’, connecting two of Europe’s largest energy markets for the first time. The new link will allow 1.4GW of electricity to flow in either direction, helping to boost energy security while also helping to integrate renewable energy sources in the UK and Germany.

With major construction work well underway at the Isle of Grain site in Kent, NeuConnect and its main contractors Prysmian and Siemens Energy launched a work experience programme in co-operation with local organiser DOMEG to offer local students chance to learn more about the delivery of a major project, and some of the future career opportunities available to them. The work experience programme will include:

Work experience placements for 24 students from two Kent schools 

• The programme included three week-long placements during the weeks of the 24^th June, 1^st July and 8^th July, with eight students attending each week
• The placements were attended by Year 10 students from the Robert Napier School in Gillingham, and by Year 10 and Year 12 students from St John Fisher School in Rochester

Presentations, practical exercises, and a site visit to one of Europe’s largest projects

• A series of sessions took place at the Grain Village Hall, close to NeuConnect’s construction site. Students heard from senior managers at NeuConnect, Prysmian and Siemens Energy about the delivery of a major project, and some of the exciting career opportunities that exist in the industry
• Students also took part in practical exercises, and had a unique chance to visit NeuConnect’s construction site to see one of Europe’s largest projects at first-hand

Unique work experience for students interested in energy, construction or engineering

• Students were carefully selected based on their interest in a future career in energy projects, infrastructure, construction, engineering or related fields
• The placement allowed Year 10 students to consider suitable options for post-sixteen study such as attending a technical college, while the placement helped students from Year 12 consider degree or further education options

NeuConnect CEO Arnaud Grévoz said: “Developing a skilled future workforce will be crucial in delivering the UK’s energy and Net Zero ambitions, so we want to use the vital NeuConnect project to inspire a new generation to work in engineering, construction and infrastructure in future. With work well underway on NeuConnect, our work experience programme is a unique opportunity for local students to learn more about the delivery of one of Europe’s largest energy projects, and some of the exciting career opportunities available to them.”

Di Domican from DOMEG said: DOMEG is a proud provider of work experience programmes for schools in Medway. According to 65% of employers, relevant work experience is crucial when making recruitment decisions. NeuConnect has enabled students to access invaluable STEM opportunities that align with their future aspirations, making them compelling candidates for future opportunities. This initiative supports our local community and helps to raise the future aspirations of the next generation of workers in Medway.

Lubna Gemey from Prysmian said: Engaging local communities is a crucial part of Prysmian’s work when delivering important projects like NeuConnect. Having the opportunity to inspire younger generations is an incredibly rewarding part of our work; We are proud to explain to students what we do every day to deliver energy to homes and play an important role in delivering a more sustainable energy future.

Mark Pilling, Vice President of Grid Solutions Europe at Siemens Energy, said: I’m proud that Siemens Energy is supporting the NeuConnect schools programme, I honestly believe there’s never been a more exciting time to be involved in the energy industry. The NeuConnect Interconnector project is a prime example of why this is, connecting two of Europe’s largest energy markets for the first time. To achieve our net zero ambitions it’s vital we have a skilled workforce, so I hope this programme plays its part in helping to inspire our next generation of engineers.