Lixhe - Jupille

As Belgium's transmission system operator, Elia's mission is to develop a reliable electricity grid in order to contribute to the security of the country’s electricity supply.

A technical audit carried out on this line in 2021 concluded that targeted interventions and upgrading were needed to enhance the safety of the infrastructure and extend its lifespan. The inspections confirmed that the conductors, equipment and foundations are in good structural and functional condition. Only the pylon heads require attention. At the end of the works, all the pylons will be completely repainted.

The 18-kilometer line was commissioned in 1941 and comprises 64 first-generation black steel pylons. The line links the high-voltage substations at Lixhe and Jupille, passing through the communities of Visé, Dalhem, Blegny, Beyne-Heusay and Liège.

As a socially responsible company, Elia is fully committed to environmental issues. Elia contributes actively to the energy transition and pays particular attention to protecting biodiversity. The company is also developing its grid by working closely with local authorities, local residents and all local partners involved in its infrastructure projects.

During the works phase, Elia takes a number of measures to minimise the impact of these on local residents and the environment:

• Elia will restore the site to its original condition.
• Elia prefers to set up its works sites in existing industrial areas or on surfaced sites in order to limit the impact on the environment and nature.
• Elia guarantees residents permanent access to their homes.
• As far as possible, worksite traffic will use the shortest, safest and easiest routes.

As part of the Lixhe-Jupille works, 1,300 bird beacons will also be fitted. A bird beacon is a device that makes it easier for birds to spot obstacles in flight. Placing beacons on overhead conductors makes them more conspicuous to birds, helping them reduce collisions.

In collaboration with Natagora ornithologists and on their recommendation, an inventory of at-risk areas has been drawn up. It covers areas with high levels of bird traffic and where the risk of collision is therefore considered high. This led Elia to put an action plan in place, consisting of proactively fitting bird beacons on our overhead installations in the areas listed and as soon as this is possible without disrupting your electricity supply.

According to the provisional schedule, the works, which began in June 2025, are expected to take around 10 months to complete.

This schedule is subject to change depending on weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances that are beyond our control.