Work on hold temporarily

This spring, work on the underground cable between Ruien and Chièvres was put on hold. The reason for this: several bentonite outbreaks. Elia deeply regrets these incidents and is looking into alternative working methods.

Bentonite outbreaks in the spring

Elia is working on laying an underground cable between the high-voltage substation of Ruien (Kluisbergen) and Chièvres (in Hainaut province) to replace the high-voltage line that will be demolished. The work in the Flemish Region was located near the Scheldestraat in Kluisbergen until bentonite outbreaks brought it to a halt. A number of plots were affected. These incidents prompted Elia to return to the drawing board. Plans to restart the work are currently being prepared.

Working towards a sustainable solution

Bentonite is not harmful but can find its way through the subsoil via cracks. Elia responded to the various breakouts immediately to limit the nuisance caused to the people in question. Plans for the introduction of new working methods are still being developed at the current time. The steps to be taken will not be simple from a technical or legal point of view. Elia also wants to take its environment into consideration as much as possible. For these reasons, Elia is not yet able to make a final decision about when and how the work will resume. The road closure is still in place between Scheldestraat 1-5 at the moment. Given the time necessary for the current investigations and expert reports, Elia is exploring the possibility of a temporary solution or repair.