Ventilus egg must be laid according to Jan Jambon

Prime Minister of Flanders Jan Jambon is on an economic mission in the US. The American company Plug announced an investment of almost 300 million euros in a green hydrogen factory there this week. To do this, the company must be able to count on sufficient green electricity to convert water into hydrogen. The company is counting on green electricity from offshore wind farms, among other things. “If we invest in offshore wind, that electricity must also be able to come ashore. Something like Ventilus must be achieved,” said the minister.

Ventilus is the new planned high-voltage line that should carry the green power to the interior. But the project is very controversial. Local residents in West Flanders are resisting the above-ground route that has been drawn up and are demanding that the high voltage be installed underground. But that goes against the advice of the experts. Neighbors are threatening legal action.

The Prime Minister of Flanders does not want to say whether the route should be underground or above ground. He points out that there is a huge cost associated with an underground route. “Consensus is needed on the price,” said Jambon. “The government must be able to land.”