Nemo Link: from coffee cakes to technological feats
If you really want to get to know Elia, you can't ignore our projects – or the people who work on them. This is the story of Nemo Link. A story about technological feats, international cooperation and an unprecedented working atmosphere. As told by Mathieu, Li, Corneel and Davy from Elia.
Who is Elia and what is Nemo Link?
We are Elia – and we keep the lights on all over Belgium. As the builder and operator of the high-voltage grid, we ensure that electricity gets where it’s needed. And thanks to projects like Nemo Link, we sometimes even get it from other countries.
The contract was awarded in 2015 and a year later we started Nemo Link, a joint venture with National Grid in the UK. Together we built an interconnector between the two countries, right under the Channel. An unprecedentedly large project in which more than 50 partners from home and abroad were involved. Pioneering work.
The reason for this project? Very simple: together we are stronger. If there is a shortage of electricity in one country and a surplus in another, you can start trading electricity. That's how we make sure the lights stay on everywhere, whatever the future might bring.
"The time of my life"
Nemo Link through the eyes of Mathieu, project leader
There was so much that attracted me to this project. The unknown, the pioneering work, the collaboration with all the different stakeholders and cultures. After all, in addition to National Grid and Siemens, who built the components for the converter, countless contractors and subcontractors were involved, from as far afield as Japan.
> Read Mathieu's blog
“No one ever did this before”
Nemo Link through the eyes of Li, lead engineer secondary systems
I am so proud of this project. For myself, for Elia and for Belgium. This is so innovative. Not only because of the size and technology but also because of the new culture we created of working together with so many different stakeholders from so many different countries.
> Read Li's blog
“This project brought out the best in Elia”
Nemo Link through the eyes of Corneel, site manager
Successfully completing a project of this magnitude involving so many different stakeholders and cultures is only possible if you create a good working atmosphere with totally open communication and under conditions that are pleasant for everyone. And that includes coffee cakes at meetings.
> Read Corneel's blog
“A leap into the unknown”
Nemo Link through the eyes of Davy, technician
It was enormously satisfying to see how much attention was paid to the input from our technical personnel in such a huge project involving so many clever minds from Belgium and other countries. If another project like this comes along, I'll definitely sign up for it – guaranteed.
> Read Davy's blog
Do you also want to be part of major projects at Elia? Then check out our vacancies.
