High-voltage substation Aalst

Elia is renovating the high-voltage substation in Aalst and replacing an obsolete high-voltage cable with a new one (70kV). This will prepare the region for energy transition and ensure the energy supply for businesses and households in the Denderstreek region.

Elia is renovating the ageing high-voltage substation in Aalst and building a new GIS (Gas Insulated Switchgear) installation. In GIS installations, SF6 gas insulates the components. This makes the installation smaller and more compact than an AIS (Air Insulated Switchgear) installation. The entire site will also be integrated into the expansion of the city park. So, Elia is working on a future-oriented high-voltage substation.

You can read more about the renovation works in the news item.

The high-voltage cable between the Aalst high-voltage substation and Burchtstraat has reached the end of its service life and so, it is being replaced by a new underground cable (70kV). The new high-voltage cable (70kV) will run from the Aalst high-voltage substation in Erembodegemstraat, via De Vilanderstraat to the GIS installation in Burchtstraat.

To lay the cable, Elia is using directional drilling wherever possible to minimise disruption. In other places, work will be carried out using open trenches.

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.

• Work 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.

• Commissioning of Aalst high-voltage substation: early 2027
• Start of cable works: end of May 2024
• End of cable works: beginning of September 2024

Information sheet - What is a high-voltage substation? (in French and in Dutch)

Information sheet - Noise in the vicinity of high-voltage substations (in French and in Dutch)

Information sheet - Construction of underground electricity connection (in French) and in Dutch)