Zottegem - Aalst

This Elia project involves the renewal and strengthening of the electricity grid in the Aalst region. The current overhead high-voltage line (70 kV) between Hoezekouter (Aalst) and Zottegem dates back to 1926 and is outdated. Because of this, Elia is replacing the high-voltage line with a new underground electricity cable (150 kV, operated at 70 kV). The higher voltage level will allow the line to carry more electricity. Elia will be able to start to dismantle the existing overhead high-voltage line (70 kV) between Hoezekouter (Aalst) and Zottegem after laying the underground electricity cable.

The new connection will initially be operated at 70 kV but can be operated at 150 kV in the long term (from 2060 onwards). Even with a capacity of 70 kV, the underground connection will be able to transport more than the current overhead high-voltage line. The work is necessary to prepare the electricity grid for increasing energy demand in the surrounding area. When complete, Elia will be in a position to continue to guarantee a reliable electricity supply for businesses and local residents. 

Elia will dismantle the 70-kV high-voltage line between the Zottegem high-voltage substation and the Hoezekouter crossing point (Aalst). To replace this connection, Elia will lay a new underground electricity cable (150 kV, operated at 70 kV) over a distance of 20 km. The route will start at the Zottegem high-voltage substation (Leeuwerikstraat) and end at the Hoezekouter crossing point (Kleine Hoezekouter). The connection will cross the municipalities of Zottegem, Herzele, Erpe-Mere, Haaltert and Aalst.

Interactive map of the works:

During the design and study phase for the project’s route and implementation method, Elia will consider the impact on people, the environment and the local area. With this in mind, a number of measures designed to limit disruption have been put in place for the Zottegem - Aalst project.

• Elia is committed to minimising the duration of the work and the amount of space affected (work areas);
• Once the work is complete, a survey will be used to restore the land to its original state;
• Elia plans to limit its work to daytime hours;
• Elia has agreed on specific access routes with the municipal authorities and the local police with a view to spreading out and limiting site traffic;
• In the event of a specific or temporary increase in disruption for a specific reason, Elia or its subcontractors will always send out individual letters to those affected to notify them;
• If normal traffic has to be diverted, the diversions will be agreed with the road authority (the municipality or the Flemish/Walloon Region) and be clearly communicated to local residents;
• Elia will keep local residents informed of the project schedule and the upcoming phases via letters to local residents and by posting the latest information on its website.

Elia will start to lay the underground cable in spring 2026. Work will continue until mid-2028. Ultimately, the high-voltage line will be dismantled - after the cable has been laid.

The work will not take place everywhere at the same time, but the construction site will move forward phase by phase. Local residents will always be kept informed when the construction site moves closer to their properties.

Information sheet - Dismantling of overhead line (in French and in Dutch)

Information sheet - Laying of underground electric cable (in French and in Dutch)