The 1GW interconnector, which will be the UK’s first power link to Belgium, will be built by Siemens and Japanese company J-Power Systems.
Siemens will build the converter stations in both Kent and Zeebrugge and operate a five year service and maintenance agreement. J-Power systems will design, manufacture and install the HVDC cable system.
The engineering design work and site preparation is set to begin later this year in both Kent and Zeebrugge. It is anticipated the interconnector will go into commercial operation in 2019.
The Nemo link, a joint venture between National Grid and Elia, the Belgium Transmission System Operator, has been designated as one of the European Commission’s projects of common interest, set to help create an integrated European energy market.
Ofgem approved the financing and regulatory regime for the project at the end of last year, setting the annual revenue floor at £50.4 million and the annual revenue cap at £80 million.