School trip to the Gramme-Van Eyck high-voltage line

Following our successful visit in 2024, the municipal primary school in As, Belgium asked us to come back this year on 4 April to talk to the kids about the energy transition and organise a workshop on building a wind turbine. Of course, we were delighted to take this opportunity to teach the children more about energy and it proved to be another fascinating and educational day!

Elia's role

The day started off with a general explanation about Elia, the high-voltage grid and the energy transition. Next, the pupils played our ElectriCITY game, giving them a chance to learn while having fun. Afterwards, they visited a high-voltage pylon on the Gramme-Van Eyck line, not far from the school. While there, they learned more about the various parts of a high-voltage line and how it works, as well as the do's and don'ts around high voltage.

The afternoon focused more on creativity. Under the supervision of the Technology and Science Academy, the pupils built their own windmill, a fun and interactive activity that gave them a chance to learn about sustainable energy and the key role it plays in the energy transition.

Gramme-Van Eyck high-voltage line upgrade

The high-voltage pylon the kids visited is part of the high-voltage line running between Gramme (Huy) and Van Eyck (Kinrooi-Maaseik, on the border with the Netherlands). As part of the Belgian power grid backbone, this line transmits large volumes of electricity quickly and efficiently.

In 2026, Elia will kick off its project to update and upgrade this high-voltage line by installing HTLS conductors. This new type of conductor can transmit more electricity than the current ones, enabling Elia to continue ensuring the country's energy supply in the future.

Be sure to watch the video below for a summary of this interesting day!