NeuConnect Interconnector

NeuConnect was delighted to welcome Lauren Edwards, Member of Parliament for Rochester and Strood, to the project construction site on Isle of Grain on 13^th March for an update on construction of the UK’s first direct energy link with Germany. The visit provided an opportunity for Ms Edwards to meet the project team, see progress on site, and hear first-hand how NeuConnect is generating long term local benefits for communities across Medway.

Following her visit, Ms Edwards said:

“It was great to meet NeuConnect CEO Arnaud Grévoz and his team and see construction well underway at the UK side of the NeuConnect interconnector on the Isle of Grain. Once completed in 2028, this 450-mile-long subsea electricity cable between the UK and Germany will increase both our national energy resilience and our energy sustainability. I’m delighted the project is already having a positive impact in Rochester and Strood, with 60% of the workforce employed from the local area and NeuConnect investing in partnerships with local businesses, schools, charities, and parish councils.”

During the visit, representatives from the project team outlined NeuConnect’s programme of community investment, including its UK Community Fund, which supports local organisations across the Isle of Grain and the wider Medway region. This year, the award has been granted to two organisations. Slough Fort Preservation Trust will use the funds to convert the old military recreation building into a lecture and education room for local schools and youth groups. wHoo Cares CIC has been awarded funding to make its community allotment disability accessible and to facilitate the 2026 Christmas Present Scheme, which will provide gifts for vulnerable residents living on the Hoo Peninsula, aiming to reduce loneliness and isolation and strengthen community connections.

Ms Edwards also heard how NeuConnect is creating pathways into employment, with the third instalment of NeuConnect’s annual work experience placement planned for summer 2026 designed to inspire and equip young people for future careers in engineering, energy and construction. Ms Edwards also supported NeuConnect earlier this year to deliver the Inspiring Girls event in February, where she spoke to local students at Thomas Aveling school about opportunities for careers in STEM.

The NeuConnect team also highlighted the economic benefits already being generated locally, with 60% of the workforce employed from the surrounding Medway area, and a strong focus on partnering with local suppliers and training providers.

The NeuConnect interconnector — a £2.4bn privately financed project — will create a 725km “invisible energy highway” between the UK and Germany, enabling up to 1.4GW of electricity to flow in either direction for the first time. By linking two of Europe’s largest energy markets, NeuConnect will strengthen energy security, support the transition to clean power, and deliver long‑term cost benefits for consumers.

Local leaders toured the Isle of Grain site as NeuConnect continues to make good construction progress on the first GB-Germany electricity link.

Senior representatives from Medway Council this month visited NeuConnect’s converter station site on the Isle of Grain to review progress on one of the UK’s most significant energy infrastructure projects. The NeuConnect Interconnector will create the first direct power link between Germany and Great Britain, with new converter stations on the Isle of Grain in Medway and in the Wilhemshaven region in Lower Saxony.

Construction is well underway on the project and will see around 725km of land and subsea cables connect two of Europe’s largest energy markets, enabling up to 1.4GW of electricity to flow in either direction – enough to power up to 1.5 million homes over the life of the project. Led by global investors Meridiam, Allianz, Kansai Electric Power, and TEPCO, this pioneering project will strengthen energy security and support decarbonisation in the UK and Germany.

Councillor Vince Maple, Leader of Medway Council, and Councillor Harinder Mahil, Portfolio Holder for Economic and Social Regeneration and Inward Investment, toured the site alongside NeuConnect’s leadership team and main contractor Siemens Energy. The itinerary included a project briefing and a visit to the viewing gallery overlooking the Converter Station site, where the steel super structure is taking shape above ground.
The visit also highlighted NeuConnect’s social value initiatives, including its work experience initiative for local students, funding for community projects, and creation of vital opportunities in the local supply chain.

Medway Leader Councillor Maple said: “It was fantastic to join the team at NeuConnect to see first hand the fantastic work which is ongoing. As well as being great for our local economy with new jobs, use of local suppliers and great opportunities for our local young people through the work experience initiative this project will lead to a more resilient energy provision for millions of households across the UK. I’m incredibly proud this is happening right here in Medway.”

Lead Construction Manager for NeuConnect Bruce Harrison said: ‘We were delighted to welcome Medway’s leadership to see first-hand the scale and progress of this transformative project. NeuConnect will play a vital role in delivering a greener, more resilient energy future for the UK and Europe, and is already providing local benefits to the community in Medway through our Community Fund and support for educational programmes.’

For further information on the NeuConnect project, please visit neuconnect-interconnector.com.