By Thames Menteth
Built environment consultancy Arup recently entered a joint venture (JV) with German engineering firm Fichtner to provide services for the first direct power link between Germany and the UK.
The Neu Connect Interconnector is a 1,400MW submarine and land cable system that will link the Isle of Grain in Kent, England, with the Wilhelmshaven region in Germany.
Around 720km of subsea cables will travel through British, Dutch and German waters, forming an “invisible energy highway” to allow electricity to move in either direction – enough to power up to 1.5M homes.
The JV will provide project and commercial management; safety, health, environment and quality (SHEQ); and consenting oversight.
It will also provide a comprehensive multidisciplinary technical team to deliver an owner’s engineer and client representative role for the onshore and offshore elements of the project.
Arup associate director of advisory services Ian Webb said: “We are excited to be working with Fichtner on the Neu Connect project. We recognise the strategic importance of this investment and both Arup and Fichtner are highly motivated to bring the best of our skills, capability and experience.
“This new delivery phase contract builds on the services provided during the successful development phase and is one of the significant energy projects Arup is supporting as we support the Energy Transition globally”.
When completed in 2028, Neu Connect will be one of the world’s longest interconnectors and one of the first of its kind to be funded through a project financing arrangement.
The interconnector is a privately financed project developed by a group of international investors that include Meridiam, Allianz Capital Partners and Kansai Electric Power.
Neu Connect CEO Arnaud Grévoz said: “The Arup – Fichtner joint venture will be an essential partner on the Neu Connect project, helping us manage the delivery of this vital new piece of energy infrastructure.
“As one of the world’s largest interconnectors, Neu Connect will be a complex project, so the skills and expertise of Arup and Fichtner will play a crucial role in delivering the project on-time, on-budget and to the highest quality.”
It is hoped that the cable system will promote the efficient use and integration of renewable energy generation resources in both Germany and the UK.
Around 700km of seabed surveys for the power link were completed in 2018 and 2019. The main construction to lay the subsea cables and build substations is expected to begin in 2023.
