Completion of large-scale grid reinforcement project will support the future electrification of Antwerp's major industries

• Elia's Brabo project has been implemented in three phases and is nearing completion after 10 years
• The project will strengthen both the local high-voltage grid and Belgium’s level of interconnection with the Netherlands
• The demand for electricity in the Port of Antwerp region will double in the next 10 years

KALLO | The Minister-President of Flanders, Matthias Diependaele, and Annick De Ridder, the Flemish Minister for Ports, symbolically helped to build the last high-voltage pylon of Elia Transmission Belgium's Brabo project in Kallo. This moment brought the third and final phase of the large-scale investment project one step closer to completion. Brabo III involves renewing the high-voltage grid between Liefkenshoek and Kruibeke in Flanders. Across a distance of 18 km, 58 pylons have been replaced within an existing corridor so that they can carry more powerful overhead lines. As a result, these lines can carry up to 20% more electricity. This reinforcement work is necessary, because the electricity demand in the Port of Antwerp region will double over the next 10 years. The Port itself is Belgium's largest industrial cluster and will account for 50% of the expected increase in electricity consumption due to electrification. More and more industrial players are switching from fossil fuels – such as oil or gas – to production processes which rely on electricity.

The Brabo project is a €300 million investment project that Elia has been implementing in three phases since 2016. Over the past 2 years, 280 people have worked on Brabo III. The project is due to be completed during the first half of 2026.

• Brabo I involved the existing electricity grid between Doel and Zandvliet being strengthened (it was upgraded from 150 kV to 380 kV). A phase-shifting transformer was built in Zandvliet that optimises electricity exchanges between Belgium and the Netherlands.
• In 2018, Brabo II was started and, in addition to the construction of 5 new 150 kV cable connections, the overhead line between Zandvliet and Liefkenshoek was also upgraded.
• Brabo III is the final phase of the project. In 2023, the construction of 2 underground cable connections (150 kV each) began, so that the existing overhead line between Liefkenshoek and Kruibeke could be dismantled and rebuilt with stronger pylons and overhead lines that can transport more capacity.

“We are strengthening the future of our Port’s industry via Brabo III: the engine of the Flemish economy is in full transition. This project is enabling Flanders to invest in the backbone of its economy. This is an investment in prosperity for every Flemish person, because when our Port comes to a standstill, Flanders’ progress also comes to a halt.”
Matthias Diependaele, Minister-President of Flanders

“Projects such as Brabo III are essential for keeping the Port running as an economic engine. Thanks to the reinforcement of the high-voltage grid, we are increasing security of supply, reducing grid congestion and creating the necessary space for the Port’s further growth: from new industrial investments to the rollout of onshore power facilities for more sustainable shipping.”
Annick De Ridder, Flemish Minister for Ports

“Across Belgium, grid operator Elia currently has 250 sites, about half of which are in Flanders. After the completion of the Brabo project, we want to start work on the Ventilus project – a missing link in our high-voltage grid that will bring electricity from new offshore wind farms back to the shore and will also significantly strengthen the high-voltage grid in West Flanders. Later this year, we will start the construction of a new large high-voltage substation in the Port of Ghent – known as the Baekeland project – which will also support the future electrification of industry in that area. In the meantime, we are also upgrading existing 380 kV overhead lines to make them suitable for tomorrow’s increased electricity flows. These are significant investments that are needed to make our electricity system more reliable, affordable and sustainable, and to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. Having sufficient amounts of electricity at all times is of great social importance. We would like to thank the government delegation that was present today to help highlight this.”
Frédéric Dunon, CEO of Elia Transmission Belgium

Overview of the full Brabo project

Overview of the Brabo III trajectory