Lommel (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – After approval by government authorities, the electricity grid in northern Limburg will receive initial funding for reinforcement. Other developments in Kristalpark Lommel and Campus Noord Pelt have created substantial electricity requirements.
The Flemish government confirmed the initial plan to enhance electric grid capacity throughout North Limburg as industrial growth drives escalating power needs across the region. The growing electricity needs from projects such as Kristalpark in Lommel and Campus Noord in Pelt have led to the necessary power grid improvements. Government officials intend to build an extension of the high-voltage connection between Kinrooi and Massenhoven, while residents from Lommel, Hechtel-Eksel, Pelt, and Balen will receive information about this project at scheduled meetings.
To meet the rising energy demands, the Flemish government has proposed a regional spatial implementation plan (GRUP) titled ‘Substation on the high-voltage line Massenhoven-Van Eyck.’
The plan contains two substation projects for installation at the Balen and Hechtel-Eksel border area with a yet-to-be-determined site beside another substation in Dorperheide Lommel near Kristalpark. A cable system placed below ground will establish a power supply between the new substation and the Kristalpark business park.
“We are seeing growth in our industry in the North Limburg region, which is good for the economy and prosperity,”
Says Flemish Minister of Environment Jo Brouns (CD&V).
“That requires a lot of energy, but the capacity of the high voltage is threatening to reach its limits. That is why strengthening the electricity grid is an absolute must and can make growth possible.”
For that branch, 2 substations will have to be built.
“1 substation will be on the border of Balen and Hechtel-Eksel, that location has yet to be determined. There are still 4 locations in the running, 3 in Balen and 1 in Hechtel-Eksel”
Says Brouns.
“The other location will be in Dorperheide in Lommel, close to the Kristalpark.”
What is driving the need for electricity grid expansion in North Limburg?
Industrial expansion surged in North Limburg as the Lommel Kristalpark and the Pelt Campus Noord developed energy consumption at a high level. The Kristalpark business park occupies 400 hectares of space to accommodate multiple high-tech companies, while Campus Noord serves as a research centre that brings additional business investment opportunities.
Industrial development has caused the region’s power usage to increase dramatically because the existing power grid capacity approaches its maximum. Recent data shows that the high-voltage line between Kinrooi and Massenhoven operates at capacity limits, which requires immediate modernisation work. Flemish authorities will construct two substations along with a high-voltage line branch to facilitate industrial development.
