A new electricity interconnector between Belgium and Germany will enhance competition and improve resource utilisation in parts of Western Europe, according to transmission system operators Elia and RWE Transportnetz Strom.
The two companies have signed an agreement to start the planning phase of a project that could see the construction of the first direct interconnector between Germany and Belgium. The interconnector would make an important contribution towards the development of a single European market, says Germany’s RWE Transportnetz.
“This increased access should in turn result in more competition in the Central-West region and in a better utilization of the different power generating resources, including renewables,” said Klaus Kleinekorte, Managing Director of RWE Transportnetz Strom.
The two companies’ agreement follows the completion of a pre-feasibility study into the project. A formal decision to build the interconnector will be taken once the planning phase is complete and regulatory and technical decisions have been made.
The benefits of the new interconnector would be seen largely in France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany and Luxembourg, which have all made a commitment to increasing cross-border flows of energy.
“The new interconnector will also contribute towards stable price convergence once the five markets are coupled, as well as enhance reliability and security of supply for the consumers in the whole region,” said Daniel Dobbeni, CEO of Elia.
