Mercator-Bruegel

Reinforcement of the existing overhead line (380kV) between the Mercator and Bruegel high-voltage substations.

Reinforcing the north-south axis of the Belgian electricity

Elia plans to upgrade the existing high-voltage line (380kV) between the Mercator substation in Kruibeke and the Bruegel substation in Dilbeek. This is needed to better distribute and transmit the increase in electricity flows. As a result, the electricity supply for the entire country will be secured in the future.

In the interest of society

The Mercator-Bruegel project is necessary for two reasons:

1. Reinforcing the north-south axis of the Belgian electricity grid
Elia is upgrading the north-south axis of the Belgian electricity network. This north-south axis forms part of the backbone of the electricity grid needed to transmit electricity across the country. This voltage level (380kV) allows large amounts of electricity to be transmitted quickly and efficiently.

2. Better organization and distribution of electricity flows
More and more renewable energy sources are being connected to the electricity grid across the country. This leads to an increase in internal electricity flows (fluxes) through Belgium. This project is needed to better distribute and transmit these electricity flows via the 380kV grid.
The route

The existing overhead line between the Mercator high-voltage substation in Kruibeke and Bruegel in Dilbeek is approximately 32 kilometres long. The route runs from the Mercator high-voltage substation in Kruibeke, located to the south of Haasdonk Fort, via the Scheldt (Temse and Bornem) and continues south towards Buggenhout, Merchtem and Dilbeek. The overhead line crosses 3 provinces and spans 9 municipalities, namely Kruibeke, Temse, Bornem, Puurs-Sint-Amands, Buggenhout, Londerzeel, Merchtem, Asse and Dilbeek.
Environment
Elia takes a number of measures to minimize the impact of the work on local residents and the environment:

Elia restores the site to its original state once work is complete.

Elia prefers to set up work depots in existing industrial zones or paved areas to limit disruption for the environment and nature.

Elia promises local residents that they will always be able to access their homes

Work is not performed during the night, so no depots or sites are lit up at that time.

Site traffic uses the shortest, safest and most accessible routes.

Elia uses gantries when removing or pulling cables close to railways, roads or other key infrastructure with a view to minimizing the impact on the surrounding area.

If normal traffic has to be diverted, the diversions will be agreed with the road authority (the municipality or the Flemish Region) and clearly communicated to local residents.
Schedule
Studies: from early 2020 up to and including early 2021

Permits: from the beginning of 2021 through to the end of 2021

Works: from the beginning of 2022 through to the end of 2026
Interactive map

Follow the works per pylon

Click on this map to find out where and when we are working. For each pylon, you will find the type of work, the planning and the contractor.

Go to https://elia.projectatlas.app/me
Documents

Brochure - Mercator-Bruegel project (in Dutch)

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

Information sheet - Reinforcement of an existing overhead line (in French)(in Dutch)

News

24 October 2024

The Mercator-Bruegel project enters its final phase

Elia is currently reinforcing the high-voltage line (380 kV) between the Mercator (Kruibeke) and Bruegel (Dilbeek) high-voltage substations. Last week, the first section of the reinforced high-voltage line between Mercator and Buggenhout was put into service. The final phase of the project will now start and involve the reinforcement of the section of high-voltage line between Buggenhout and Bruegel.

06 August 2024

E40 closure during night works

We are currently reinforcing the high-voltage line (380kV) between the Mercator (Kruibeke) and Bruegel (Dilbeek) high-voltage substations. To remove the old conductors, the E40 near Bekkerzeel (Asse) will be temporarily closed during the night of 12-13 September. The road will be closed twice for 30 minutes, with one hour between the start of the first and second blocks. During those times, there will be no traffic at the level of the works.

16 April 2024

Pulling of Mercator-Bruegel conductors well under way

The Mercator-Bruegel high-voltage line is currently being fitted with HTLS conductors as part of our grid backbone upgrade. These conductors, which can carry more electricity, are now being installed in the municipality of Buggenhout. Once this process is complete, work will continue in the direction of the Mercator high-voltage substation in Kruibeke via Bornem. These works are completely on track.

See all news

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Glossary

The glossary provides clear, succinct explanations of the main technical and administrative terms used to discuss infrastructure projects.

Consult the glossary

Work

Get full details of how the work is being organised and find out about the measures Elia is taking to limit the impact on mobility, preserve the environment and minimise disruption for local residents.

Visit the Work page