Elia: no alternative to above-ground ventilation pipes
This was stated by Elia CEO Chris Peeters during a hearing in the House. He repeated that every expert comes to the same conclusion, namely that an overhead pipeline is the only solution to achieve the objectives.
The electricity grid in Belgium must be adapted. The high-voltage grid must be reinforced in West Flanders (Ventilus high-voltage connection) and Hainaut (Boucle du Hainaut high-voltage connection). It concerns two ‘missing links’ in the net. However, Elia has faced local protests in both projects, because parts have to be realized via overhead pipelines. It is the regional governments that ultimately have to make the decision. The file gives the Flemish government headaches.
Peeters emphasized that grid operator Elia did not act overnight when designing the projects. Six university professors were involved in the analysis, and various analyzes have been carried out since then. “They all come to the same conclusion,” says Peeters. In other words, you need an overhead pipeline to create a robust network, to avoid problems with security of supply, to get offshore energy inland and for industrial development, it said.
“Questions on other decision”
He underlined that Elia is obliged to provide a number of public services and takes that task very seriously on the basis of the needs, not of the shareholders. “All alternatives are more expensive. That might be better for our shareholders, but we are not proposing them because they are not in line with the plan objectives. Elia is not allowed to propose them,” says Peeters. He noted that he would question himself “as a person” if a different decision was made politically. “Then you have to start the same project in the center of the country within five years. Will it be easier to get a permit for that?”
Peeters pointed out that, in addition to maximum reuse of existing corridors, the aim is to create a route that follows as many other lines as possible. To compensate, a number of lower voltage lines will also be placed underground, which would even be beneficial for the landscape on a net basis. And Elia is one of the largest planters to limit the visibility burden of projects. He also specified that no expropriation proceedings are foreseen. There is a compensation scheme for those who would suffer a loss in value and possibly a voluntary purchase scheme.