At the bottom of the North Sea, an energy revolution takes shape. Thousands of meters below the surface, a titanic electric cable gradually extends between two nations, promising to forever transform the way Europe manages its electricity.
The invisible electric motorway that changes everything
The Neuconnect project is not a simple electrical connection: this is the first direct energy connection between the United Kingdom and Germany. This “invisible energy highway” will allow the two countries to instantly exchange their electricity according to their needs, creating an unprecedented synergy between two of the largest European powers.
The idea is great in its simplicity: when Germany produces too much solar or wind electricity, it can sell it in the United Kingdom. Conversely, when British wind turbines run at full speed while Germany lacks wind, electricity crosses the sea in the other direction. No more waste, make way for continental optimization.
A titanic site in the open sea
Currently, the Cabbage ship Leonardo da Vinci – considered the most imposing in the world – meticulously runs 140 kilometers of cables in British waters, 22 kilometers from the Kent coast. This seas giant can install cables up to 3,000 meters deep, an essential technical feat to cross the capricious seabed from the North Sea.
The installation of these submarine cables is as much as science. Each kilometer must be perfectly positioned and protected against currents, corrosion and human activities. The teams use ultramodern burial to ensure that this vital infrastructure is resistant to the decades to come.
A power that makes you dizzy
The figures for the Neuconnect project impress: 725 kilometers of high voltage continuous current electric cables, a capacity of 1.4 Gigawatt capable of supplying 1.5 million households. To put this power in perspective, it is enough to enlighten whole cities or operate electricity gourmet industries.
This pharaonic capacity is based on two ultra -modern conversion stations: one on the island of Grain in Kent, the other in Wilhelmshaven in northern Germany. These installations transform the alternating current of each national network into direct current for submarine transport, then convert electricity to the finish.
Credit: ISTOCK
Credits :: Dragon Claws/Istock
A technological marathon until 2028
The project is advancing methodically towards its objective: a complete commissioning by 2028. After this second phase of the current wiring, other stages will follow in 2026 and 2027. On the German side, the foundations of the conversion station are already completed, while the British teams finished concrete work before erecting the “superstructure” this summer.
This rigorous progression reflects the extent of the challenge: electrically connecting two nations separated by hundreds of kilometers of agitated water requires perfect coordination between engineers, sailors and technicians from several countries.
A major environmental impact
Beyond the technical feat, Neuconnect has a considerable environmental promise: reducing carbon emissions by 13 million tonnes over 25 years. This massive reduction results directly from the project’s ability to optimize the use of renewable energies on both sides of the North Sea.
By allowing an intelligent sharing of green electricity, this interconnection transforms two national networks into a more efficient and cleaner continental system. A silent revolution that is played under our feet, at the bottom of the oceans.