Start of public consultation for installation of underground high-voltage cable between Zottegem and Aalst

Today 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 the reinforcement of the electricity grid in the region.

During the public consultation, residents, associations, and other interested parties have the opportunity to review the plans and submit any objections or comments. This is always done at the office of the mayor and aldermen in the municipality where permit-required activities are planned (Aalst, Erpe-Mere, and Zottegem) and can take place over a period of 30 days starting today. At the end of this period, the submitted responses will be consolidated and forwarded to the Flemish authorities, who will then make a decision regarding the environmental permit application.

Zottegem-Aalst project

With this project, we are renewing and strengthening the electricity grid in the Aalst region. The current overhead high-voltage line (70kV) between Hoezekouter (Aalst) and Zottegem dates from 1926 and is outdated. We are therefore replacing this high-voltage line with a new underground electricity cable (150kV, used at 70kV). Thanks to the increased voltage level, more electricity can be transported. After the underground electricity cable has been installed, Elia will begin dismantling the existing overhead high-voltage line (70kV) between Hoezekouter (Aalst) and Zottegem. We hope to start laying the underground cable next spring. These works will take two years, after which we will begin planning the dismantling project.