Final phase of the works

In August 2025, we started the final phase of the Mercator-Bruegel project. At that point, we began replacing the electrical wires on the high-voltage pylons between Buggenhout and Dilbeek. Since the beginning of November, one side of the line has been completed. In April 2026, we will continue working on the other side of the line. The entire project will be completed by September 2026.

End in sight

The Mercator-Bruegel project, which involves reinforcing the existing overhead line (380 kV) between the Mercator high-voltage substation in Kruibeke and the Bruegel high-voltage substation in Dilbeek, got underway in 2022. At that time, the electricity cables on the high-voltage pylons between Kruibeke and Buggenhout were replaced with new, more efficient cables. At the end of October 2024, that section was fully completed and put into service.

In 2025 and 2026, it will be the turn of the section between Buggenhout and Dilbeek: from August to November 2025, the wires on one side of the line were replaced. From April to September next year, the wires on the other side of the line will be replaced. The work will be carried out in two phases in order to ensure the availability of the grid during the works. The entire line will be in service in September 2026.

The Mercator-Bruegel project is necessary to strengthen the north-south axis of the Belgian electricity grid. It also ensures better distribution and transport of electricity flows. This guarantees the supply of electricity.