Start of work in the Lisdodde nature reserve

From November, system operator Elia will start reinforcing and renewing the high voltage line Liefkenshoek-Mercator (380 kV). The works take place within the framework of Brabo III. The high-voltage line runs partly through the Lisdodde nature reserve. Elia carries out the necessary trimming and felling activities to ensure that the work is done safely.

Balance between safety and nature

Elia is reinforcing and renewing the Liefkenshoek-Mercator (380 kV) high-voltage line to prepare the region for the energy transition and ensure future electricity supply. During work on the high-voltage line, Elia seeks a good balance between safety and nature. Because the vegetation in the Lisdodde nature reserve is growing too close to the high-voltage line at present, Elia is carrying out trimming and felling activities. This helps avoid grid disturbances due to short-circuits or fall damage. Specifically, this involves trimming branches and felling a few trees. Elia applies the coppicing principle, whereby tall trees are sawn to 20 cm above the ground. In this way the root system continues to live and new shoots grow out of the stumps.

After the trimming and felling activities, Elia is strongly committed to biodiversity and the restoration and support of natural habitats. The redesign of the safety corridor below the high-voltage line will contribute to the migration of various species. Work will start in November 2022. 

The Brabo project

The works for Brabo III take place within the framework of the overall Brabo project. With this, Elia aims to facilitate the import and export of electricity between Belgium and the Netherlands. In addition, the renewed high-voltage line reinforces the Belgian 380 kV grid and Elia will be able to better spread and transport the electricity flows on the grid. This will ensure security of supply in the future.