NeuConnect secures permits for offshore works in Dutch waters

January 4, 2022

NeuConnect secures permits for offshore works in Dutch waters

The NeuConnect project has reached another important milestone with Dutch authorities awarding a permit for offshore works that will form a key part of the new energy link between the UK and Germany.

The NeuConnect interconnector will see over 700km of subsea cables form the first direct link between the UK and German energy markets, connecting two of Europe’s largest energy markets for the first time.

A section of the project’s subsea cabling route will pass through Dutch waters in the North Sea, requiring a Water Permit and a Nature Permit, which are coordinated by the Energy Projects Bureau of the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) on behalf of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy (EZK). Following a positive recommendation on the Environmental Impact Assessment, the necessary permits for NeuConnect have now been confirmed by the EZK.

NeuConnect CEO Christophe Vanhove said:

“Securing permits for Dutch offshore works is another important piece of the NeuConnect jigsaw and gives us continued momentum as we target the start of construction works later this year.”

The NeuConnect interconnector will allow 1.4GW of electricity to flow in either direction between the UK and Germany, helping to deliver a more diverse, resilient and sustainable electricity supply, while also helping to lower costs for consumers. By integrating renewable energy sources in Germany and the UK, the new energy link will also deliver a net reduction in carbon emissions of 16 MtCO2 over 25 years to support German, UK and European ‘net zero’ goals.

Major planning works have been completed or nearing completion across the project, with lands secured for onshore works in Germany and the UK, and key planning approvals received. NeuConnect is targeting reaching financial close in the coming weeks which would allow major construction works to start later this year.