Germany to construct massive power cable linking to England

Germany plans to construct a massive power line linking to England.

By the year 2028, Germany and the United Kingdom will partner in constructing a 720-kilometers-long electricity link. This announcement has been deemed crucial to achieving climate neutrality by Federal Economics Minister Habeck. Industry experts are also optimistic about the endeavor, believing it will aid many consumers.

The beginning of construction on the German side of the direct electricity link between the UK and Germany, dubbed "NeuConnect," was commemorated in Wilhelmshaven with a symbolic ceremony. The global consortium funding this project will cover the investment costs. Robert Habeck, the Federal Economics Minister, stressed the significance of starting construction on the first direct German-British electricity link for the targeted climate neutrality and security of supply of both countries.

Planned with a capacity of 1.4 gigawatts, the electric cable is expected to provide electricity to up to 1.5 million households. Its completion is slated for 2028. NeuConnect is predicted to elevate the security of electricity supply and positively impact prices.

Addressing the media, Habeck explained, "A climate-neutral electricity system necessitates flexibility. That's why we're not only increasing the German electricity grids but also providing power lines to our neighbors." The initiation of this electricity connection signifies one of many stepping stones toward decarbonization alongside maintaining the maximum security of supply. This German-British collaboration is seen as a promising开端 for future joint ventures.

In addition to Habeck, the British minister of state for Trade Policy, Gregory Hands, and Lower Saxony's Economics Minister, Olaf Lies, will also attend the ground-breaking ceremony in Wilhelmshaven. This electricity connection will connect the German and British transmission grids approximately 720 kilometers apart.

Green energy through the North Sea to Germany

The electricity link will extend from the proposed Isle of Grain substation in Kent to the Fedderwarden substation in Wilhelmshaven, crossing Dutch territory. The German line's length is 193 kilometers. The cable is designed to be submerged under the North Sea and buried underground on the German land section.

The ministry mentions that with the UK's objective of becoming climate-neutral by mid-century, it possesses extensive potential for offshore wind energy and plans to raise its installed capacity to 50 gigawatts by 2030. "Green electricity will be sent to Germany through NeuConnect in the future," states the ministry.

Engineers anticipate relief for consumers

The Association of German Engineers (VDI) expresses support for the project, as it will alleviate the pressure on consumers and boost the price-to-performance ratio. "The ground-breaking ceremony for the first direct electricity connection between the UK and Germany is yet another integral component in ensuring a secure electricity supply in Europe," asserted VDI energy expert Harald Bradke. "These interconnectors will foster the exchange of electricity among Europe's power grids and promote competition and stability."

The Federal Network Agency reports that Germany already has connections with all its neighbors and Sweden/Norway. By 2022, the excess electricity generated by German producers had been exported. The following year, imports surpassed exports, partially due to price differences. Higher expenses for wind turbines as well as their financing have temporarily halted the advancement of additional wind farms. The current sixth round of funding for renewable energy projects could serve as a catalyst. The bulk of the funding allocation, 800 million pounds, will be allocated to offshore wind energy projects.

The UK, eager to become climate-neutral, has numerous wind farm projects planned in the North Sea. German corporations are pivotal participants in the British offshore wind energy industry. RWE, a federally owned company, is one of the largest wind farm developers in the country with ten current and nine proposed offshore projects. Likewise, EnBW is actively constructing three offshore wind farms along the British coast.

However, the industry experiences challenges. Rising costs for wind turbines and funding have imposed constraints on the progress of new wind farms.

Summary

Germany and the United Kingdom are joining forces to create a 720-kilometers-long electricity link; its completion is slated for 2028. Federal Economics Minister Habeck claims it will advance climate neutrality and improve electricity supply for both countries. Industry experts forecast this project will help alleviate the strain on consumers and result in improved price-to-performance ratios for electricity. The cable will run from England to Germany, connecting the two countries' transmission grids while providing green electricity. After decades of relying primarily on carbon-based sources, Germany and the UK are uniting in a substantial effort to expand their offshore wind energy capacities, with many established German companies working in the British market. However, the offshore renewable energy sector currently faces financial hurdles.