Germany-based global engineering company Siemens will start the testing phase of the 1,000 MW Nemo Link power interconnection project between the Richborough (UK) and Zeebrugge (Belgium). The testing phase will last from early-mid December 2018 to the end of January 2019. This will be the last project stage before it will go into commercial operation in the first quarter of 2019.
The high-voltage direct current (HVDC) line will enable to connect the two countries via a combination of subsea and underground cables allowing the import and export of electricity on both sides as well as securing the integration of renewable energy sources in the grid.
The 140-km long project is owned by a joint venture between the two countries' transmission system operators Elia (Belgium) and National Grid (UK). The project has been also designated Project of Common Interest (PCI) by the European Commission.