ELECTRIC POWER LINKS
[BIZ/INFRA: Brussels, February 20] Elia is planning or investigating additional interconnection capacity with Belgium’s neighbors. To increase the capacity available for exchange between France and Belgium, Elia plans to double the existing 220-kV connection between Aubange and Moulaine. The current high-voltage, three-phase transmission line is being replaced by one with more efficient conductors. In addition, a second three-phase transmission line will be installed on the existing high-voltage pylons. Elia is also investigating a possible connection with Luxembourg. Installing two cables would boost import capacity by 700 MW. Such a connection would not only enable power to be exchanged with Luxembourg: it could also be used to import and export electricity from and to Germany. A third development in interconnection capacity is a potential undersea direct-current connection (from 700 to 1,300 MW) between Great Britain and Belgium. The British grid is only partially linked to the European mainland. In addition, Elia and RWE Tranportnetz are studying possible interconnection projects between Belgium and Germany. The initial technical and economic findings of the study highlight the desirability of an HVDC cable connection (1,000 MW) between the two countries. Further research is currently under way.
Elia is the Belgian transmission system operator, transmitting electricity from producers to distribution system operators and major industrial users and being responsible for importing and exporting electrical energy to and from Belgium’s neighboring countries. Elia owns the entire Belgian very-high-voltage grid (150 to 380 kV) and some 94% (ownership and user rights) of Belgium's high-voltage grid infrastructure (30 to 70 kV). Elia's grid consists of 5,645km of overhead lines and 2,767km of underground connections and is a key link between electricity markets in northern and southern Europe. Belgium’s recent investments in interconnection capacity with its neighbors make it one of the most open and interconnected countries in Europe.
Alongside its actual projects, Elia works continually with system operators in surrounding countries to identify potential schemes. At present, studies are under way into strengthening interconnection capacity with the Netherlands and France. Elia is also involved in joint research into a large direct-current network in the North Sea and the Baltic, which would connect up various countries and offshore wind farms.
http://www.elia.be/