Belgian transmission operator Elia has commissioned the 380kV Stevin transmission project, which connects new offshore wind farms off Belgium to the mainland grid.
The Elia–built MOG offshore platform, which is located 40km off the Belgian coast, is designed to bundle together the cables of future offshore installations in Belgium.
The €340m ($399.2m) Stevin power line project includes a double 380kV connection between the two towns, running 37km above and 10km below the ground as well as three new high-voltage substations in Zeebrugge, Gezelle in Bruges and Van Maerlant in Vivenkapelle.
The new line is expected to transport up to 3,000MW of power, which is equal to that of three major nuclear power plants.
Elia CEO Chris Peeters said: “As a result of the Stevin project, we are forging the missing link between the mainland and the coast, with an energy hub in the North Sea.
“We were able to make this project a reality thanks to the support of our many partners in the field and close consultation with all stakeholders.”
Elia said that the Stevin transmission line can also act as an interconnector with other European countries such as the UK through the Nemo subsea cable.
Commenting on the project, Belgium Energy, Environment and Sustainable Development Minister Marie Christine Marghem said: "The Stevin project is a project that is pointing us toward the future. Not only will it enable us to bolster security of supply, but it will also allow us to further develop interconnections with neighboring countries."
Image: The €340m ($399.2m) Stevin power line project includes a double 380kV connection. Photo courtesy of Elia System Operator.