Koksijde – Noordschote

Elia is going to dismantle the overhead line (70 kV) between the Koksijde high-voltage substation and the Noordschote high-voltage substation. Six pylons will remain standing between Wulpen and Koksijde. These pylons also serve another connection and are therefore still needed. In the West Flanders region, a number of 70kV lines are reaching the end of their lifespan. To meet growing energy demand, Elia has reinforced various high-voltage connections in the region. As a result, the old high-voltage lines, such as the one between Koksijde and Noordschote, have been taken out of service.

Elia is dismantling an overhead line (70 kV) between the Koksijde high-voltage substation on Ganzestraat and the Noordschote high-voltage substation on Oostpoeselstraat in Lo-Reninge. Specifically, all conductors will be replaced along the entire route. Six high-voltage pylons will remain between Wulpen and Koksijde, as these pylons also serve another electrical connection. The remaining pylons will be removed. The connection crosses the municipalities of Koksijde, Veurne, Alveringem and Lo-Reninge.

All electricity cables over a length of 18.5 kilometres will be removed. Elia will dismantle a total of 85 high-voltage pylons. Elia wants clear agreements in place to ensure the impact this work has on the environment is kept to a minimum. A site supervisor will regularly check compliance with the following agreements:

• Elia is carrying out the work in phases to limit the disruption to the surrounding area in terms of time and space.
• Access to homes and businesses will be possible at all times while the work is in progress.
• No work will be carried out at night, so there will be no illuminated depots or work sites.
• Site traffic will use the shortest, safest and most accessible routes.
• Possible diversions will be discussed with the local authorities and communicated to local residents in advance.
• For the removal of electrical wires, wooden frames or cranes are used to limit the impact on the environment.
• Pedestrians and cyclists will always be able to pass the worksites safely.
• Once work is complete, the worksites will always be restored to their original state.

Elia will start demolition work at the beginning of August. The works will take approximately one year to complete.
The works will not take place everywhere at the same time, but the construction site will move forward phase by phase. Local residents will always be kept informed when the construction site moves closer to their property.

Information sheet – dismantling of an overhead line (in French)

Information sheet – dismantling of an overhead line (in Dutch)