National Grid switches on energy link to Belgium

National Grid began commercial operation of ‘NEMO Link’ the UK's first interconnector to Belgium - on Thursday morning.

The FTSE 100 energy infrastructure operator said the link would enhance security of supply on both sides of the water, and facilitate a “greater flow of clean energy” between mainland Europe and the United Kingdom.

Nemo Link was a 50-50 joint venture between National Grid and Belgian transmission system operator Elia.

National Grid said its share of the investment was £280m, with the 1,000 MW, 80-mile cable between Herdersbrug and Richborough, Kent completed on time and under budget.

“NEMO Link is the first of four interconnector projects being developed under the cap and floor regulation, collectively representing a total investment by National Grid of £2.1bn,” the National Grid board said in its statement.

“Our 1,000 MW IFA2 project to France and 1,400 MW North Sea Link to Norway are both under construction and expected to be operational in the 2021 and 2022 financial years, respectively.

“Work on our 1,400 MW link to Denmark will commence later this year.”