Citizens’ action groups Ventilus disappointed but do not give up the fight

Korneel Verleden is a concerned resident of Lendelede: “I cannot understand that Mr. Westerman’s report is used to make such a 180-degree turn. I can only conclude that people have read the last chapter with the questions of the mayors have not read.

It states in black and white: ‘Can we use an underground DC high-voltage line to bring energy from the wind turbines ashore? And there it says, yes, it is possible. And has already been realized in many cases.”

Health risks

There are certainly health risks for those under a power line. So say the World Health Organization and the Supreme Council of Health. And: the new high-voltage lines will be even heavier.

“We are standing at the line that connects Izegem from Avelgem. If Ventilus continues, this line will be reinforced at least six times. This will seriously expand the zone that the WHO and the Superior Health Council declare as an uninhabitable zone in principle, as the current in the pipes increases.”

“Permit for Elijah is not possible”

Advisory researcher Filip Vanaeken from Meulebeke is not surprised. He finds it incomprehensible that his proposals for underground lines were not examined. According to Vanaeken, the Ventilus project no longer meets the technical conditions and the government cannot grant Elia a permit. That’s according to new data.

“Last night I was informed that a public inquiry is underway for a third connection from the UK to Zeebrugge that will connect to Ventilus. As a result, the capacity will increase and the current documents of the GRUP Ventilus are no longer correct because there is no that connection is taken into account, while it will have an impact on the environment and local residents.”

Ready for a long legal battle

The government and Elia had known this for some time, but were silent, says Vanaeken. He maintains that it is technically possible to bring the high-voltage line underground. The end is far from in sight.

“We see that people are pushing through, we are going to push through. Several non-profit organizations are ready to go to the Council of State. And we are confident that we can make a case there.”