Elia launches five-part docuseries on July’s storm in Mechelen, providing unique insight into its crisis management strategy

MECHELEN | Given the exceptionally severe damage inflicted by July’s storm on the electricity grid and areas surrounding it in Mechelen, Elia filmed its management of the crisis. Viewers of its ensuing docuseries are placed in the front seat, allowing them to closely follow Elia’s teams as they assess the damage, evacuate local residents, carry out delicate clean-up operations and install emergency backup pylons. The five-part docuseries will be launched on social media from tomorrow onwards and will also be available on RTV, the local TV network for the Mechelen and Antwerp Kempen regions, from 26 December. The series features different stakeholders who reflect on last summer’s eventful weeks. In addition to testimonies from Mayor Bart Somers, weather presenter David Dehenauw, and a resident affected by the storm, Elia’s crisis team also feature in the series.

Storm was most severe incident to have hit the Belgian high-voltage grid in years 

Due to the extreme storm weather on 9 July in Mechelen, nine high-voltage pylons were toppled over. High-voltage lines (conductors) located across a distance of 4 km also collapsed, landing primarily in fields but also on about 15 houses. Fortunately, no one was injured, but the material damage caused by the storm and its impact on local residents were significant.

Within the space of a month, the area was cleared and an emergency backup line was built. The latter was necessary to strengthen the high-voltage network around Mechelen. The local electricity grid was left vulnerable after the loss of the 150 kV high-voltage line. An additional incident could have jeopardised Mechelen’s security of supply.  

Each episode focuses on a specific topic

The docuseries begins with several poignant testimonies and video clips that illustrate the power of the storm. In the first episode, Elia employees share how they immediately assessed the extent of the disaster after the storm and provided support to the affected residents who were later evacuated from their homes. In the immediate aftermath of the storm, they focused primarily on addressing the electrical emergency, including ensuring that the power supply was stable and grounding the fallen power lines (to eliminate any possible risks in case any lightning strikes had occurred).

In the second episode, weather presenter David Dehenauw explains what a ‘downburst’ is, and how it is linked to why there was so much damage in Mechelen. Using animations, an Elia expert illustrates why there was a cascade of falling pylons and how Elia is adapting its electricity network so that it can withstand more extreme weather conditions that are linked to climate change.  

Episode 3 covers the activities of Elia’s task force and their preparatory work for the complex clean-up operation. The episode clearly explains that power in the fallen lines could not simply be cut off due to their significant voltage levels, since this could have caused additional damage to the surrounding area.

Episode 4 explains how Mechelen’s residents were asked to reduce their electricity consumption on Saturday 13 July. Following an additional safety analysis, Elia decided to proactively cut off power to one of the two 70 kV high-voltage lines that was supplying Mechelen with power. This 70 kV line crossed the 150 kV high-voltage line that was destroyed by the storm.

If a cable had snapped during this operation, the 70 kV line could have been affected. This could have caused a so-called arc flash, posing a risk of electrocution. Elia’s call for residents to reduce their consumption levels was a great success and the clean-up operations were completed a day earlier than planned. The affected residents were pleased as they could return to their homes earlier than expected.

The final episode shows how the emergency line was constructed and integrated into the existing high-voltage network. The necessary preparations for this were undertaken immediately after the storm. Elia has specialised teams who are trained to quickly build such emergency lines. Its construction began on 24 July. By the end of July, the 5 emergency pylons (each 45 metres tall) had been built. After that, the electricity lines (conductors) were pulled. Following some testing, the 150 kV emergency line was brought into operation on 9 August, exactly one month after the storm hit the area.

The docuseries is entitled "Guardians of the Grid". This term is used within Elia and refers to the passion and dedication of its many employees who keep the lights on 24/7. The series is a tribute to those who are ready at any time of day, come rain or shine, to ensure that Belgium’s high-voltage network operates in an optimal manner. 

You can watch the entire series by following this link.