Start of public consultation about the laying of an underground high-voltage cable between Zottegem and Aalst

Today,  September 25th 2025 marks the start of the public consultation on the plans by Elia Transmission Belgium for the installation of a new underground high-voltage cable between Zottegem and Aalst. The project is part of work to upgrade the electricity grid in the region.

During the public consultation, residents, associations, and other stakeholders will have the opportunity to review the plans and submit any objections or comments. All objections and comments must be submitted to the office of the mayor and aldermen in the municipality where permit-required activities are planned (Aalst, Erpe-Mere, and Zottegem)This is possible for a period of 30 days starting today. After this, all objections and comments will be forwarded to the Flemish government; it will then make a decision on the environmental permit application.

Zottegem-Aalst project

This project involves the renewal and upgrading 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 The current overhead high-voltage line (70 kV) between Hoezekouter (Aalst) and Zottegem dates back to 1926 and is outdated.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, we are 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. We 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. We hope to start laying the underground cable next spring. The work will take two years to complete. We will then start to plan the dismantling project.