Noordschote Substation Modernisation

Kraftstasjon renoveres til framtiden

The Noordschote high-voltage substation, located in a rural village with only 600 inhabitants about 120 km west of Brussels, is undergoing significant refurbishment to meet increasing electricity demands. Omexom Belgium is spearheading the project, aiming to make the installation more sustainable and prepare it for the future, especially in the face of rising electric vehicle usage, heat pumps, and the electrification of SMEs.

Nytt kontrollrom og transformatorer

Elia, the local transmission system operator for over 20 years, oversees this renovation project, having invested €449.5 million in the Belgian grid in 2022. The refurbishment involves dismantling the existing 40-year-old 70 kV overhead line, constructing a new control room with remote data transmission capabilities, and installing two new 70/15 kV transformer banks. These changes will enhance the substation's capacity to handle higher electrical loads and manage operations safely.

Arbeid utfordret av WWI-bomber

Since the project started in 2022, the control room has already been equipped with lighting and electrical panels have been connected. A significant challenge at the site has been the discovery of old World War I bombs, requiring cautious and precise earthworks. Despite these challenges, the project prioritizes minimal disruption to local inhabitants by adhering to working hours between 7 am and 7 pm.

Grønt tiltak ferdigstilles august 2024

Upon completion, Elia will further enhance the substation's environmental footprint by planting vegetation, installing a green screen, and ensuring the area is aesthetically pleasing. The project underscores Omexom Belgium's commitment to leading the energy transition and is expected to be finished by August 2024, solidifying a more sustainable and future-proof electrical infrastructure for the Westhoek region.