Belgium's electricity grid operator Elia completed one of the two new 132-metre high-voltage pylons at the Kallo lock in the Port of Antwerp on Thursday.
The renewal of the Brabo III high-voltage line aims to prepare the port for the energy transition. Elia will build fifty-eight new pylons between Liefkenshoek (Beveren) and Mercator (Kruibeke) as part of the Brabo III project.
This line – one of the most important in the country – has been gradually replaced for some time and is expected to be fully renewed by the summer of 2026. The two tallest pylons exceed the height of Antwerp Cathedral by ten metres.
Elia stressed that upgrading the Brabo III line from 150 kV to 380 kV is essential to strengthen Belgium’s electrical grid. These efforts will also address the increased electricity demand in the Port of Antwerp.
Additionally, the upgraded line will facilitate energy exchanges with the Netherlands and better distribute electricity flows, according to Elia.
Brabo III is the final phase of the Brabo programme, which started in 2015. The project involves constructing a high-voltage loop around the Antwerp port area.
The new high-voltage lines will increase electricity transmission capacity by 20% compared to the old ones, ensuring supply security in the region.
