Nemo Link® proposed to construct an electrical interconnector between the UK and Belgium known as the Nemo Link® interconnector.
The Nemo Link® interconnector consisted of subsea and underground cables connected to a converter station and an electricity substation in each country, which will allow electricity to flow in either direction between the two countries. Nemo Link® are building the converter station and electricity substation on an 8 hectare site, formerly occupied by the Richborough Power Station, which now forms part of the Richborough Energy Park proposals. A similar converter station and Sub-station was proposed in the industry zone at Herdersbrug, Bruges, Belgium.
Nemo will connect the electricity systems of the two countries and enable the bi-directional flow of electricity derived from renewable sources, diversifying the electric supply system of the countries. It will provide 1,000 MW (1GW) of power capacity, which will be sufficient to serve 500,000 homes. The link will increase energy security for both countries and support integration of renewable energy. It has been designated as one of the European Commission’s Projects of Common Interest as it will help create an integrated European energy market.
Interconnectors play a crucial role in the European Union’s strategy to achieve a competitive and integrated European energy market. By allowing the UK and Belgium to trade power, the Nemo Link interconnector will increase security and diversify both countries’ electricity supply. To meet international and domestic renewable and climate change targets, the UK and Belgium will generate more power from renewable sources, including offshore wind. By its nature, wind power generation is intermittent and interconnectors provide an effective way to manage these fluctuations in supply and demand.