NeuConnect was honoured to be included in this week’s historic State Visit of German Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier to the UK, with speeches and announcements highlighting NeuConnect’s importance to closer UK-German relations.

During his address to the UK Parliament on Thursday 5^th December, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said: 

“We are already working together in energy and climate policy. Our energy and climate partnerships are not abstract declarations of intent – they are concrete projects, with concrete targets and concrete benefits. 

“The first German-British electricity interconnector is being built. It is due to begin operating in 2028, and will transport power in both directions, from Germany to Great Britain and back. This is good for security of supply, this is good for energy transition, and this is good for the climate.”

As part of the State Visit, UK Government announcements made by the Department for Business and Trade also highlighted how:

“Work on NeuConnect, the £2.4 billion UK-German energy link, moves forward at pace. Some 130km of cables have been installed in UK waters, creating an ‘invisible energy highway’ between Europe’s two largest energy markets.

“NeuConnect and Siemens Energy are employing staff from local areas on the Isle of Grain construction site in Kent. Local businesses benefiting include Aylesford-based Gallagher Group and Maidstone-based Now Construction, who are constructing the Converter Station and have invested in a new concrete batching plant. Rochester’s Amped Electrical Solutions is providing electrical works, whilst Dartford-based NG Bailey is delivering building services.”

NeuConnect’s chair Julia Prescot CBE, who joined the German State Banquet at London’s Guildhall this week, said:

“It was an honour to be involved in this week’s State Visit offering chance to discuss how NeuConnect will become an important symbol for closer ties between the UK and Germany. With major construction well underway, we are making strong progress, and we are grateful for the continued support of the UK and German Governments and President Steinmeier.”