Ruien-Chièvres
Project to replace 150-kV overhead line between Ruien (in Flanders) and Chièvres with an underground connection

Addressing an ever-present need
The 150-kV overhead line between Ruien (in Kluisbergen, Flanders) and Chièvres is nearing the end of its service life. Since it is necessary for the region's security of supply, Elia plans to replace the line with a 150-kV underground connection.
The current overhead line passes through the municipalities of Kluisbergen, Mont-de-l'Enclus, Celles-en-Hainaut, Frasnes-les-Anvaing, Leuze-en Hainaut, Ath and Chièvres.
Specifically, Elia is planning the following sequence:
- Submit the permit applications for the underground connection project;
- Once the permits have been secured, build the underground connection;
- Dismantle the current overhead line.
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Environment
As a socially responsible company, Elia is deeply committed to the environment. It contributes actively to the energy transition and is particularly concerned with preserving biodiversity. It also works closely with local authorities, residents and all the local stakeholders affected by its infrastructure projects as it expands and upgrades its grid.
An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) will be carried out by an independent consultancy firm following the Preliminary Public Information Meeting held on 22 September last.
During the works phase, Elia also makes every effort to minimise the impact of its infrastructure projects on the local environment in which they are located. -
Schedule
Estimated timetable for the procedure in the Walloon region
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The route
Route relating to the procedure in the Walloon region
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Documents
Brochure to local residents - Februari 2021 (in French)
Brochure for local residents - September 2021 (in French)
Presentation of the preliminary information meeting (22/09/2021) (in French)
Route planner - September 2021
Letter to local residents - June 2022 (in French)
Letter to local residents - June 2022 (in Dutch)
Brochure to local residents - June (in French)
Brochure - Laying of underground cables of electricity (in Dutch)
Panels of information session Ruien-Chièvres - June 2022 (in Dutch)
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Interactive map
To find the exact location, please visit the Google map hereunder -
How does this 150-kV line relate to the 380-kV Hainaut Loop project?
A number of projects and administrative procedures are currently under way, or under preparation, in the Province of Hainaut, These projects have different but equally important goals, but it is important to distinguish between them.
The 150-kV line between Ruien and Chièvres is reaching the end of its life, but this has nothing to do with the Hainaut Loop project. Grid studies indicate that the Ruien-Chièvres line needs to be replaced regardless of what happens with the Hainaut Loop project. The 150-kV network in the region is nearing saturation point, so this line cannot simply be dismantled.
Consequently, Elia is currently studying the most logical route possible for burying the 150-kV line, completely independently of the ongoing application to revise the sector plan for the Hainaut Loop project.
News

28 September 2022
Public consultation begins
Elia officially submitted its planning permit application to the competent authorities on 22 July 2020 (with a supplement on 2 September and a file declared complete on 15 September).

13 June 2022
Presentation of the conclusions of the study conducted on 27 and 30 June
Following the Preliminary Information Meeting, the Municipality of Frasnes-lez-Anvaing and Elia officially collected everyone’s feedback and suggestions for the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), conducted by CSD Ingénieurs, an approved and independent engineering company.

31 May 2022
Public Utility Declaration Procedure (DUP)¹
In addition to the urban planning permit application that will be submitted shortly for the Walloon Region and the “omgevingsvergunning ” ² relating to Flanders, a demand of Declaration of Public Utility (DUP) will be filed with and examined by the Federal Public Energy Service.
Contact us
If you are affected by a project and want to ask us something, please feel free to contact us.Our team would be happy to help.