Installation starts of UK part of Nemo subsea interconnector

Installation has started of the UK part of the subsea interconnector between the UK and Belgium, the 1-GW Nemo Link, Belgian transmission system operator Elia said on Wednesday.

The project, a joint venture between the UK's National Grid and Elia, will be the first electricity link between the two countries. Work is well on schedule, according to the announcement, with the interconnector expected to be operational in January 2019.

A campaign has begun to lay the first 59 km (37 mile) of double subsea cable between the UK shore and the French offshore section. The cable was successfully pulled-in at the beach of Pegwell Bay, Kent on September 11, Elia said. The remaining 71 km of double subsea cable will be installed in Belgium waters during the spring of 2018.

Elia chief executive Chris Peeters said Nemo Link is a step towards further integrating the European electricity grid. "A well-integrated electricity grid is for the benefit of the consumers and the general wellfare, as it provides access to cheap, renewable energy anywhere in Europe and allows to export excess energy when necessary," Peeters added.

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