NeuConnect Interconnector

Work experience initiative for local students continues for a second year on one of Europe’s largest energy projects

NeuConnect – a vital new energy link between the UK and Germany – welcomed eight students from St John Fisher School in Rochester, Kent for a week-long work experience placement earlier this month – the placement was part of NeuConnect’s support for the local community in the Medway region, and the project’s work to support the next generation of infrastructure and engineering talent.

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 NeuConnect’s construction well underway and making strong progress, a work experience programme was launched last summer to offer local students a unique opportunity to gain first-hand insight into one of Europe’s largest energy infrastructure projects and to explore potential careers in construction, engineering, and energy. Building on the success of last year’s programme, earlier this month eight more students took place in this year’s work experience programme that was delivered in close collaboration with local provider DOMEG and supported by NeuConnect’s main contractors, Prysmian and Siemens Energy. Students took part in a range of activities such as:

• Presentations from senior leaders at NeuConnect, Prysmian, and Siemens Energy;
• Practical exercises designed to simulate real-world project challenges;
• A guided visit to NeuConnect’s construction site on the Isle of Grain, where major works are well underway, offering a unique chance to see at first hand the deliver of one of Europe’s largest energy projects

The eight students were selected based on their interest in pursuing careers in energy, infrastructure, or engineering, with the programme has been designed to support Year 12 students in considering higher education or vocational routes. Some of the positive feedback from students included:

• “It’s been a huge privilege to be a part of this work experience programme. My favourite part was learning about different systems in place on the project and how different teams collaborate together to make something new.”
• “My favourite part of the work experience was getting to meet different parts of the management team that gel together, whilst learning about their roles.”
• “I would love to work in this sector, thanks to the experience and the lessons I learnt on site.”
• “I would definitely consider working here and I’ve already started looking at apprenticeship opportunities.”

NeuConnect CEO Arnaud Grévoz said: “We’re proud to be delivering a nationally significant infrastructure project responsibly, and part of this is being a ‘good neighbour’ to local communities. This work experience programme is about inspiring future innovators and helping build a skilled workforce for Europe’s energy future, so its fantastic to see the positive feedback from local students.”

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

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.