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.

Phase 1 of the works complete

Elia's work teams have recently been busy replacing old conductors with HTLS conductors on the section of high-voltage line between the Mercator high-voltage substation in Kruibeke and Buggenhout. This section has now been successfully put into service.

Last summer, new conductors were also added to the section of the high-voltage connection that crosses the E40, near the Bruegel high-voltage substation.

The last of the old pylons will be removed and recycled in the week ahead; this will mark the end of phase 1 of the works and the start of the final phase

Caption under photo: the pulling of conductors on the E40 resulted in spectacular images


Via phase 2 to the finish line in 2026

Elia will continue to pull the new HTLS conductors between Buggenhout and the Bruegel high-voltage substation in Dilbeek in 2025 and 2026. This will be done in two phases of three months each. The first phase will take place from August to November 2025 and the second phase from March to June 2026.

Once complete, it will be possible to operate the entire high-voltage line on HTLS. This means that we will be able to transmit larger amounts of electricity and, by doing this, help make the electricity grid stronger and more stable.