Elia awards submarine cable installation contract for the Modular Offshore Grid (MOG) to DEME Group

Today August 16, official signing of the submarine cable contract for the Modular Offshore Grid in the North Sea has taken place between Dredging International, part of the DEME Group, and Elia Asset. The ca. EUR 130 million contract is one of the largest contracts in the construction of the Modular Offshore Grid. The Modular Offshore Grid is scheduled to be taken into operation at the end of the third quarter of 2019.

EXPLORE TSOs publish addendum to the report published in October 2016

Since the beginning of 2015, the TSOs of the EXPLORE countries – Austria, Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands – have been studying the possibility of integrating their Frequency Restoration Reserve (FRR) energy markets in the scope of the requirements of the draft guidelines on electricity balancing.

Elia begins dismantling the high-voltage line between Ciply and Pâturages

Elia, the operator of Belgium's high-voltage transmission system, plans to replace the current 70kV overhead line between the Ciply and Pâturages substations with a 150kV underground line passing through Mons, Quévy, Frameries and Colfontaine.

PICASSO Project: Further development in integration of European balancing market

In July 2017, eight transmission system operators (TSOs) signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the design, implementation and operation of a platform for common activation of automatic Frequency Restoration Reserves (aFRR platform) in order to, among others, integrate their aFRR balancing markets.

Half year results Elia Group

Good progress on energy transition and solid financial performance in Belgium and Germany

Nemo Link is demining seabed to safely lay first electricity interconnector between UK and Belgium

Preparatory works for the construction of Nemo Link, the first subsea electricity interconnector between the UK and Belgium, have been ongoing on both UK and Belgium onshore since 2015 and are now also being executed at sea.

EIB grants Elia loan of €100 million for strategic infrastructure projects Stevin and Nemo Link

The European Investment Bank (EIB) and Elia have concluded an agreement for a seven-year loan of €100 million.

Public consultation on the proposal for common capacity calculation methodology for the day-ahead and intraday market timeframe in the core capacity calculation region

Elia, together with the other TSOs or the Core CCR launch a public consultation via ENTSO-E on the proposal of common capacity calculation methodology for the day-ahead and intraday market timeframe for Core Capacity Calculation Region, in accordance with Article 20 of the CACM Regulation.

Go-Live BidLadder project

Further market opening for flexibility arising from demand response and local generation

Public consultation on the proposal for nomination procedures for physical transmission rights in the channel CCR

Elia and the other TSOs of the Channel Region issuing Long-Term Physical Transmission Rights launch a public consultation via ENTSO-E on the proposal for nomination procedures for physical transmission rights for the Channel Region to enable physical transmission rights holders and/or their counterparties to nominate their electricity exchange schedules, in accordance with Article 36 of the FCA Regulation.

Public consultation on the proposal for common capacity calculation methodology for the day-ahead and intraday market timeframe in the channel capacity calculation region

Elia, together with Nemo Link, Tennet, Britned, RTE, National Grid Electricity Transmission and National Grid Interconnector Holdings launch a public consultation via ENTSO-E on the proposal of common capacity calculation methodology for the day-ahead and intraday market timeframe for Channel Capacity Calculation Region, in accordance with Article 20 of the CACM Regulation.

JAO.EU: CONSULTATION FOR 2017 SHADOW ALLOCATION RULES

JAO (Joint Allocation Office) has launched, on behalf of concerned TSOs, a public consultation on Shadow Allocation Rules for Day-ahead Capacity Allocation from 23th of June to 21th of July 2017.

Avelgem-Avelin high-voltage connection upgrade project - A major link between Belgium and France

An advance public information meeting was held on 21 June 2017. At the meeting - chaired by Mr Yves Willaert, mayor of Celles - Elia officials presented their preliminary plans for upgrading the Avelgem-Avelin connection to local residents of the municipalities affected by the project.

Elia publishes a vision paper on the future of the Belgian energy system

Elia wishes to make a reasoned contribution to the social debate on the future of the Belgian energy system in 2050. The regional and federal governments intend to take some important decisions on this. The Energy Pact, currently being drawn up, is designed to set out the long-term future of a sector undergoing rapid, fundamental changes in a supranational context.

Elia upgrades power grid between Kruibeke and Zomergem

Elia, the Belgian high-voltage system operator, is starting work on the Mercator-Horta high-voltage line in East Flanders.

Pond working group spots record number of northern crested newts at Mercator high-voltage substation

On Wednesday, 24 May, the Kruibeke pond working group counted the newt population in the ponds at the Mercator high-voltage substation owned by system operator Elia.

Inauguration of first viewing platform in Nassogne and announcement of a 'LIFE 2' project

Today, 19 May 2017, in Nassogne Elia inaugurated the first viewing platform looking out over the local flora and fauna.

Public consultation: Elia proposal for maximum capacity thresholds for type B, C and D power-generating modules

The implementation of the European Network Codes in Belgium is for some time the subject of discussion with involved stakeholders in the Elia Users’ Group.

Interim statement: Q1 2017

Good progress made on energy transition in Belgium and Germany

Annual General Meeting of Shareholders approves 2016 financial results and dividend pay-out and also (re-)appoints directors

The Annual General Meeting of Shareholders today approved the financial results for the 2016 financial year and agreed with the proposed gross dividend of €1.58 per share.

ALEGrO: Elia invites local residents to four evening meetings to present findings of Environmental Impact Assessment

Elia officials will present the findings of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) as well as the final project for which permit applications were submitted to the Walloon Region authorities.

Elia joins forces with Energy Web Foundation to launch global blockchain initiative for energy

10 international energy companies have joined forces to support the Energy Web Foundation (EWF), a non-profit organization whose mission is to accelerate the commercial deployment of blockchain technology in the energy sector.

Extension of the primary frequency control market to include new technologies

On 1 May 2017, Elia introduced a new contractual framework governing the provision of the primary frequency control service (FCR or R1). This framework sets out new rules designed to further enhance suppliers' flexibility with respect to possible combinations of the resources in their portfolio. 

Improved process for intraday CWE capacity calculation

Information for market players

Central West Europe (CWE) Transmission System Operators would like to inform market players of the implementation on some incremental improvements concerning the Central West Europe intraday Available Transfer Capacity capacity calculation process (CWE ID ATC CC) after Flow-Based Market Coupling (FBMC) for all CWE bidding zone borders.

Elia presents learning materials package on Stevin project at PTI in Eeklo

On Wednesday, 26 April, high-voltage grid operator Elia introduced its package of learning materials on the Stevin project at the PTI in Eeklo. The package is intended for students in the first grade of secondary education who live in the vicinity of the Stevin high-voltage project.

Elia pulls 380-kV high-voltage cables under the Boudewijnkanaal

Elia is currently busy laying 380-kV high-voltage cables in a tunnel under the Boudewijnkanaal in Zeebrugge. The underground 380-kV cable, a first for Belgium, stretches 10 kilometres and partly runs through a tunnel under the Boudewijnkanaal.

Elia to hold MegaWatt Day at the Stevin high-voltage substation in Zeebrugge

On Sunday, 7 May 2017, Elia will be taking part in Open Site Day, a Construction Confederation initiative that sees major projects open their sites to the general public. Elia is taking part for the first time this year and will be showcasing the Stevin high-voltage substation in Zeebrugge.

Public consultation in the design of the volume of strategic reserves

In the framework of the volume determination for the strategic reserve, Elia organizes a public consultation on the methodology and the input data that will be used.

The Elia Group’s annual report is now online

The annual report provides a general overview of Elia and 50Hertz’s activities in 2016 and focuses on Elia’s new strategy and its main challenges and activities in Belgium. The first paper copies of the report will be available in May.

Elia set to invest in an ‘electricity plug’ in the North Sea

The board of directors of Elia has approved the investment for an “electricity plug” or “modular offshore grid” (MOG) in the North Sea. The choice for a modular offshore grid is of strategic importance for the future of Belgium in terms of its participation in the further development of renewable energy in the North Sea.

Public consultation on the single methodology for pricing intraday cross-zonal capacity

ENTSOe organizes a public consultation from 11 April until 12 May on the All TSOs’ proposal for the single methodology for pricing intraday cross-zonal capacity in accordance with Article 55 of the CACM Guideline. As part of the consultation process, a public workshop will be organized by ENTSO-E on 19 April 2017.

Public consultation on proposal for amendment to include the Nemo Link interconnector (BE-GB) in the CCR decision

ENTSOe launches a public consultation on a proposal developed by all TSOs regarding the amendment of Annex 1 of ACER decision on the determination of the capacity calculation regions (CCRs).

MARI-PROJECT: 19 European TSOs agree to further cooperation on mFRR-platform

On April 5, 2017, nineteen European Transmission System Operators signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the design, implementation and operation of a new manual frequency restoration reserve platform.

Elia strengthens its cooperation with contractors on safety issues

With more than 120 in attendance at the second Contractors’ Day last week, the safety project got off to a great start. It marked the beginning of a closer partnership with Elia contractors in the area of safety. The preceding year was full of intensive preparations.

Press release: Regulated information

As a result of the implementation of the capital increase in favour of the members of the personnel of Elia System Operator NV/SA and its Belgian subsidiaries, as recorded in a notarial deed dated 23 March 2017, Elia System Operator NV/SA has issued 9.861 new shares.

Elia fits ‘black line’ in Ghent Canal Zone with bird flight diverters

Belgium has 5,700 km of high-voltage lines, many of which comprise a lifethreatening obstacle for birds. According to Natuurpunt, there is an estimated number of at least 170,000 ‘wire victims’ in Belgium every year: birds that sustain life-threatening injuries following a collision with cables.

Elia successfully completed € 250 million bond offering

On Friday March 31, Elia System Operator NV/SA, the Belgian transmission system operator, has successfully issued a new 10-year € 250 million bond off its € 3 billion EMTN programme. The settlement date for the bond issue is expected to be 7 April 2017.

Public consultation on the proposal for fallback procedures for capacity allocation in the CORE CCR

Elia and the other TSOs of the Core Region launch a public consultation via ENTSO-E on the proposal for fallback procedures for capacity allocation for the Core Region in the event that the single day-ahead coupling process is unable to produce results, in accordance with Article 44 of the CACM Regulation.

Elia organizes its first ARP Workshop on 16/03/2017

On 16/03/2017 Elia organized its very first event dedicated to Access Responsible Parties (ARP’s) at the Square Meeting Center in Brussels.

ENTSO-E consultation on the proposal for the regional design of long-term transmission rights in the CORE capacity calculation region

Elia and the other TSOs of the CORE region launch a public consultation via ENTSO-E on the proposal for the regional design of long-term transmission rights in the CORE Region in accordance with Commission Regulation (EU) 2016/1719 on establishing a guideline on forward capacity allocation.

Recent power outages have had different causes

The power outage in Mechelen yesterday was caused by a short circuit in a medium-voltage cable at Eandis. Elia's safety systems detected the incident, which triggered the shutdown of Elia's high-voltage substation, causing a temporary power outage.

Proposal of a General Framework of the Tertiary Control Non-Reserved Power product (bidladder pilot project)

In case of residual imbalance in the Belgian control zone via the balancing market Elia calls upon both reserved (like contracts for R3 CIPU, R3 Non-CIPU and ICH) and non-reserved power (so-called “free bids”). Today such free bids can only be provided by remaining flexibility on large production units (so-called “CIPU-units”).

ENTSO-E consultation on the CGMM-v2 (revised Common Grid Model Methodology)

ENTSO-E organizes a public consultation from 6 March until 6 April on the CGMM-v2 (revised Common Grid Model Methodology). It aims at obtaining stakeholders' comments on the Common Grid Model Methodology pursuant to Article 18 of Regulation 2016/1719 or "CGMM-v2" (i.e., also incorporating the requirements set out in the FCA Guideline).

Consultation for Flow Based IntraDay Capacity Calculation methodology – Until 15th of March 2017

The Central West Europe Transmission System Operators have launched a public consultation from 1st until 15th March for FB IDCC methodology.

Elia Group annual results 2016

Elia Group is progressing well on key investments while achieving solid results

Elia organises information sessions on two subprojects of the Stevin highvoltage project

In March, Elia will hold several information events for residents regarding the next stages of the Stevin high-voltage project. Once the new 380-kV line between Zeebrugge and Zomergem has been laid, work will begin on two existing 150-kV lines running to the north and south of Maldegem. One line will be brought underground while the other will be removed.

Works at Scheldelaan and Kruisweg start on 6 March 2017

On 6 March 2017, Elia will begin laying high-voltage cables (150 kV) under Scheldelaan and Kruisweg in Antwerp.

Implementation of European Guidelines in the CORE region

On 17 November 2016, the Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER) decided to merge the Central West Europe (CWE) and Central East Europe (CEE) capacity calculation regions into a single “CORE” capacity calculation region.

Ensiplan wins Elia's first Startup/Open Innovation Challenge with a 3D visualisation system

The winner of Elia's first Startup/Open Innovation Challenge is the German-Italian startup Ensiplan. Elia's aim in staging this international competition for fledgling companies is to develop innovative solutions that improve public acceptance of its electricity infrastructure. Ensiplan won over the jury with its 3D visualisation system.

Five startups will pitch during Elia Startup Innovation Challenge

In October 2016, Elia launched a call for projects to startups worldwide to ‘imagine a solution that can help increase public acceptance of the electricity grid’. Of the thirty candidates which handed in a project proposal, five finalists will now pitch during the Elia Startup Innovation Challenge on Thursday 16 February.

Call for Candidates for strategic reserve

The Ministerial Decree of Minister of Energy Marie-Christine Marghem entered into force on January 15, 2017. This decree instructs Elia to constitute a strategic reserve volume of 900 MW for the next three years.

Elia joins forces with Be Planet

As part of its efforts to always put the interests of society centrestage and boost the sustainability levels of its activities, Elia is launching a structural partnership with Be Planet, a 'public utility foundation' (fondation d'utilité publique/stichting van openbaar nut). Be Planet supports innovative citizens' initiatives that have a beneficial environmental impact and that could play a role in the energy transition.

Power outage in northeast Brussels caused by technical incident

On Thursday, 9 February at 10:40 p.m. Elia's high-voltage substation in Schaerbeek suffered a simultaneous loss of two grid components which together supply multiple high-voltage substations in Brussels.

ENTSO-E consultation on the proposal for the regional design of long-term transmission rights in the Channel Region

Elia, together with Nemo Link, Tennet, Britned, RTE and National Grid Interconnectors are launching a public consultation via ENTSO-E on the proposal for the regional design of long-term transmission rights in the Channel Region in accordance with Commission Regulation (EU) 2016/1719 on establishing a guideline on forward capacity allocation.

Regulated information transparency declarations

Within the framework of the law of 2 May 2007 and the Royal decree of 14 February 2008 (publication of significant participations in companies listed on the stock exchange), Publi-T has notified Elia on 17 January 2017 that its interest in Elia has decreased under the threshold of 45% of the shares issued by Elia and reached 44.97% on 22 December 2016.

Elia dismantles 16 km long high-voltage line between Schelle and Mechelen

On 13 February 2017, Elia, the operator of Belgium's high-voltage grid, will begin dismantling a 70-kV high-voltage line between the Schelle and Mechelen substations. The overhead line comprises 82 pylons and stretches 16 km in total through the municipalities of Schelle, Niel, Aartselaar, Reet, Rumst and Mechelen.

Elia Group Full Year 2016 Results presentation on 24 February 2017

The management of the Elia group will comment on the consolidated results of the financial year 2016 and the outlook for 2017. The event will start at 10:30 a.m. CET.

Elia no longer expects to activate strategic reserves this week

Elia believes that the strategic reserves are unlikely to be activated this week. Owing to an improvement in the weather forecast, the predicted consumption peaks in France are turning out to be lower than expected and the situation on the European energy markets is under control.

ENTSO-E consultation on the Harmonised Allocation Rules

ENTSO-E organizes a public consultation from 16 January until 17 February on the Harmonised Allocation Rules.

International Frequency Containment Reserve (FCR) cooperation: France joining the coupled markets of Austria, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland and the Netherlands

50Hertz, Amprion, APG, Elia, RTE, Swissgrid, TenneT, TransnetBW announce the succesful first common cross border frequency containment reserve (FCR) auction with RTE held on the 10th of January 2017 for the delivery period of the third week of 2017. The common cross border weekly FCR auctions now include participation of the Austrian, Belgian, Dutch, German, French and Swiss balancing service providers.

Elia anticipates possible activation of strategic reserves next week

Elia is preparing for a tense week on the European energy market. The cold snap expected to hit Belgium and France is likely to mean high consumption peaks, especially in France. Combined with import needs in Belgium, this could lead to a tense market situation in the Central West Europe area. Elia is monitoring developments closely but anticipates that the strategic reserves may need to be activated. A possible activation is intended to safeguard security of supply.

European transmission system operators to constantly strengthen their cooperation

Eight Europe’s electricity transmission system operators improve their cooperation with a view to optimising electricity exchange capacities. Imports resulting from the optimisation of the interconnections, play a key role in ensuring the security of supply in countries whose power systems are under pressure.

Regional FCR Cooperation: consultation until 10th of february

Elia, together with 50Hertz, Amprion, TransnetBW, Tennet, RTE, Swissgrid, APG and Energinet.dk are launching a public consultation via ENTSO-E on the market design evolutions of the regional Frequency Containment Reserve (FCR) Cooperation. The consultation is open from 9th of January to 10th of February 2017.