Belgium supplies UK with a nuclear plant’s worth of energy!

Despite imminent Brexit and even the danger of a No Deal Brexit the first Belgian electricity supplies to the UK started last night. The supplies are being delivered via a cable along the bottom of the North Sea!

Elia, the operator of the Belgian high voltage network, and Britain’s National Grid have been working on the project, the Nemo Link, for a decade. The Link is 140 km long and connects Richborough in the UK with Bruges. 130 km are in the North Sea. So far 628 million euros has been invested.

Last night 1 gigawatt of electricity started to be sent to the UK and that is around the production of one nuclear power plant. The Link can work in both directions. In the event of scarcity here supplies can also be brought to Belgium. Elia’s Chris Peeters is relieved the link is now operational especially because of the recent difficulties in Belgian nuclear power plants and worries the lights could go out.

Chris Peeters believes the Link could also help to cut Belgian electricity prices that historically have been high. Belgium is set to remain a net importer of electricity underlining the Link’s importance.

Of course Brexit throws up new challenges. Elia is examining the implications. Electricity will continue to be supplied, but depending on the agreement between Belgium and the UK the mechanism may differ.

Mr Peeters reassures us that Elia and National Grid are ready for any scenario from a Hard Brexit to the abandonment of Brexit altogether.


The author: Michel DEURINCK

Michel Deurinck, born in Brussels in 1950, started his career in the Belgian civil service, dedicating over 30 years to public service. Upon retirement, he pursued his passion for journalism. Transitioning into this new field, he quickly gained recognition for his insightful reporting on politics and culture. Deurinck's balanced and thoughtful approach to journalism has made him a respected figure in Belgian media.

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