Agreement with services provider JAO marks another important step as NeuConnect begins to look ahead to start of operations

NeuConnect – a vital new energy link between the UK and Germany – has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with JAO to become the project’s provider for auctioning cross-border transmission capacity. The agreement with JAO – recognised as the leading service provider for transmission system operators (TSOs) in the European electricity market – is another important step for NeuConnect as the project increasingly focusses on putting in place key IT systems and processes ahead of the start of operations.

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.

With major construction on NeuConnect well-underway in the UK and Germany, the project is also starting to look ahead to preparations for the start of commercial and market operations – this includes putting in place key IT services and infrastructure to ensure that market participants are prepared and able to purchase and use NeuConnect’s capacity. As part of this, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has now been signed with JAO that covers:

• Agreement for JAO to become NeuConnect’s allocation provider for cross-border transmission capacity – this will cover all of NeuConnect’s auction activities in the long-term markets (yearly, seasonal, quarterly, monthly) and short-term markets (day ahead and intraday);
• The appointment of JAO (as Europe’s leading services provider for TSOs) will help to offer NeuConnect’s future customers a familiar and streamlined experience when obtaining cross-border transmission capacity;
• The initial MoU now signed with JAO ensures NeuConnect is included in their IT development pipeline, securing their services for when NeuConnect starts trial operations towards the end of 2027 and then becomes fully operational in 2028;
• The appointment of JAO marks a first step in NeuConnect’s IT operational plans, with further announcements planned later this year on the provider of the project’s Market Integration Platform.

NeuConnect Chief Operating Officer Andy Paton said: “NeuConnect will deliver a vital new energy link for Europe so it is crucial that we put in place the right IT systems to allow us to seamlessly and efficiently participate in the European energy market, making the sale of our capacity as easy as possible. The agreement we’ve signed with JAO ensures that NeuConnect will be supported by the leading provider for transmission capacity auctions in Europe, and marks another important step as we begin to look ahead to the start of operations.”

JAO Chief Operating Officer Thomas Kieffer said: “NeuConnect represents a landmark step in strengthening Europe’s energy resilience and integration. By connecting Germany and UK, this project will not only enhance security of supply but also accelerate the transition to a more sustainable energy future. JAO is proud to support this vision by providing a trusted and efficient platform for cross-border capacity allocation. Our collaboration ensures that market participants will benefit from a transparent, harmonized, and reliable process, reinforcing NeuConnect’s vital role in Europe’s interconnected energy landscape.”