Baasrode - Malderen
Dismantling of overhead high-voltage line (70 kV) and laying of underground electricity cable (150 kV)
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Benefits to societyThe high-voltage line (70 kV) between the Baasrode (Buggenhout) and Malderen (Londerzeel) high-voltage substations is at the end of its service life. For this reason, Elia is replacing the high-voltage line with a new underground electricity cable (150 kV).
The higher transmission capacity of the underground electricity cable (150 kV) in comparison with the high-voltage line (70 kV) is crucial for the successful increase in connection capacity in the region. This has become necessary due to the growth in demand for electricity in the region - because of the increased use of electric cars and heat pumps and the electrification of businesses and companies, for example - which has been prompted by the energy transition. So, the high-voltage grid is being adapted to ensure it meets the needs of the future. This will enable Elia to continue to guarantee electricity supply in the future.
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The route
Works for the Baasrode-Malderen project will take place in a number of phases:
- To avoid compromising electricity supply to the region, Elia will start by laying the new underground cable (150 kV). Initially, the electricity cable will be operated at 70 kV. Because energy demand in the region is increasing, the cable will later be used as a 150 kV cable.
- Once the new underground cable has been commissioned, Elia will start to dismantle the outdated high-voltage line.
- Finally, Elia will modernise the Baasrode high-voltage substation. The current AIS (Air Insulated Switchgear) installation uses air as an insulation medium. The new GIS (Gas Insulated Switchgear) high-voltage substation is a closed building with switching equipment and uses SF6 gas to insulate the components. It also takes up less space than an AIS installation. For more information about GIS installations, see the ‘What is a high-voltage substation?’ brochure in ‘Documents’ below.
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Environment
Elia is always mindful of the local area when carrying out works. The high-voltage system operator takes a range of measures intended to mitigate disruption and impact on the local area.
- The works will only take place during the day, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
- Elia guarantees that homes and businesses will always be accessible during the works.
- If local residents are set to experience a temporary increase in disruption for a specific reason, Elia or its subcontractor(s) will always individually notify those affected.
- If normal traffic has to be diverted, the diversions will be agreed with the road authority and clearly communicated to local residents.
- Once work is complete, the land is always restored to its original state.
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Schedule
- August 2023 - 2027: modernisation of the Baasrode high-voltage substation
- Summer 2024: submission of environmental permit application
- May 2024 - 2026: laying of new underground cable (150 kV)
- Summer 2026: commissioning of the new underground cable (150 kV)
- 2026 - 2027: dismantling works on the Baasrode-Malderen high-voltage line (70 kV)
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Interactive map
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Documents
News
Baasrode-Malderen
06 November 2023
Elia organises information session for local residents
Elia will soon be undertaking work on the high-voltage line (70kV) between the Baasrode (Buggenhout) and Malderen (Londerzeel) high-voltage substations. An information session will be held on Thursday, 9 November to inform local residents about the work.
Contact us
If you are affected by a project and want to ask us something, please feel free to contact us.
Our team would be happy to help.