Permanent rebuild of Leest high-voltage line

We have made a decision about the reinstatement of the permanent electricity connection in Leest after the storm of 9 July 2024.The extreme weather toppled nine high-voltage pylons and brought down electricity cables over a distance of four kilometres. To safeguard the power supply in the Mechelen region in the short term, a temporary backup line was built. After internal studies, the decision has now been made to rebuild the 150 kV high-voltage line.

Rebuild with modern technology

During the rebuild of the 150 kV high-voltage line - with the same voltage level as before - the nine affected pylons will be rebuilt in the same places they were before. Although the storm on 9 July 2024 was highly unusual, we want to do everything we can to make sure it does not happen again. So, the new pylons will be stronger and able to withstand a higher wind load; they will meet the very latest standards.

We will submit a permit application for the rebuild of the high-voltage line in the very near future and is organising an infomarket about the project on 16 June 2025. On 15 April 2025, we submitted another permit application, for the temporary emergency line that was built shortly after the storm. This permit is required by law because the emergency line will remain in use for three years. we anticipate that the ultimate rebuild of the line will take place in 2026-2027, after which the emergency line will be removed.

Infomarket on 16 June 2025

Between 18:00 and 20:00 on Monday 16 June 2025, we will host an information market in the new canteen at Leest football club (Dorpstraat 67B, 2811 Leest) to give local residents more information about the work planned. The project managers will be present to answer questions.

Anyone wanting to attend can register here or via the following free number: 0800 11 089.