NextGen

Port of Antwerp-Bruges (PoAB) is developing the NextGen site on the right bank of the Scheldt in Antwerp. The site, which encompasses approximately 80 hectares, was previously owned by Opel/General Motors. This area is being redeveloped into an innovative and sustainable business site, with a strong focus on electrification and energy efficiency. With a view to fulfilling this site's future energy needs, Elia is building a new substation at Churchilldok, upgrading the Zevende Havendok substation and laying an underground connection between these two substations. Thanks to this infrastructure, we can efficiently connect multiple stakeholders on the site to access green energy and shore up the high-voltage grid at the port.

By adopting this approach, we are both enhancing the port's capacity and taking into account the limited space available and the technical challenges of the site. The first section is scheduled to be operational by summer 2027.

Interactive map of the work:

As part of the NextGen project at the Port of Antwerp, Elia is building a new 150-kV gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) substation called Churchilldok (CHUDK). The substation will house a shunt reactor and a 380/150-kV transformer and will be built in such a way as to allow for expansion in the future. The transformer will be connected to the existing Lillo-Zandvliet line via an underground 380-kV cable. This infrastructure is key to supporting the growing energy needs of businesses at the port and to strengthen the high-voltage grid.

Schedule

• Early 2025: environmental permit obtained
• Summer 2025: work begins 
• Summer 2027: 150-kV connection commissioned
• Late 2028: work ends

The existing Havendok 7 substation will also be modified to link it to the new Churchilldok substation. This will make it easy to connect existing and new businesses to the grid. 

Schedule

• Summer 2025: work begins
• Early 2026: work ends
• Summer 2027: new cables commissioned

Elia is laying two powerful underground cable connections between the existing Havendok 7 substation and the future Churchilldok substation. These four-km-long connections are essential when it comes to transporting the full power of the 380/150-kV transformer. The cables will largely follow the route of Noorderlaan. Elia will therefore use directional drilling where necessary.

Schedule

• Summer 2025: environmental permit obtained
• 2026: work begins
• 2027: work ends

The new 380/150-kV transformer in the Churchilldok substation will be connected to the existing Lillo-Zandvliet line via a branch line. This branch line, which is approximately five km long, will be laid in the vicinity of the Tijsmanstunnel via a new 380-kV cable connection. The cable will be able to carry the full power of the transformer. A transition substation will also be built to connect the overhead line to the underground cable. To this end, Elia will upgrade an existing pylon and construct a new one.

Schedule

• Mid-2026: environmental permit application submitted
• Early 2027: work begins 
• Late 2028: work ends 

The expected disruption to businesses in the vicinity will be very limited. Nevertheless, Elia always takes the local area into account when it carries out work. The high-voltage system operator takes a range of measures intended to minimise disruption and impact on the surrounding area.

• Work only takes place during the day, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
• Elia guarantees that businesses in the area will remain accessible at all times while the work is under way.
• If a temporary increase in disruption to the local area for a specific reason is expected, Elia or its subcontractor(s) will notify those affected.
• If normal traffic has to be diverted, the diversions will be agreed with the road authority and clearly communicated.
• Once work is complete, the land is always restored to its original state.

Information sheet - What is a high-voltage substation? (in French and in Dutch)

Information sheet - Construction of underground electricity connections (in French and in Dutch)