The £2.4bn/€2.8bn NeuConnect project has today been certified as an Independent Transmission System Operator (TSO) by energy regulator Ofgem, marking another vital step forwards for the first direct energy link between the UK and Germany.

NeuConnect will become one of the world’s largest interconnectors with 725km of land and subsea cables forming an ‘invisible energy highway’ to connect two of Europe’s largest energy markets for the first time. The new link will allow 1.4GW of electricity – enough to power up to 1.5 million homes – to flow in either direction, helping to boost energy security while also helping to integrate renewable energy sources in the UK and Germany.

Ahead of the new link becoming operational, NeuConnect is required to be certified as an Independent Transmission System Operator (TSO) by British energy regulator Ofgem – following a detailed application process, Ofgem has today published its certification decision confirming NeuConnect’s certification in accordance with the “unbundling requirements of the Electricity Act 1989”.

NeuConnect is one of the very first interconnectors to be delivered using Project Finance which is recognised as an important way to attract investment and build more choice and competition into the energy market – with the project now successfully granted Independent TSO certification, NeuConnect (alongside other Project Financed schemes like the UK-Ireland Greenlink interconnector) is helping to set an important precedent for future Project Finance schemes and private investment in the British energy grid.

Today’s important regulatory milestone follows other key progress in NeuConnect’s construction programme, including the world’s largest cable-laying vessel starting work last month to install some 140km of subsea cabling in UK waters.

NeuConnect CEO Arnaud Grévoz said: “With NeuConnect’s construction well-underway and making good progress, we are increasingly focussed on preparations for the start of operations, so receiving Independent TSO certification from Ofgem is another vital piece of the jigsaw. This is not only a crucial step for NeuConnect, it will also bring another transmission operator into the UK energy market, offering an important boost to competition, resilience and security.”

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