Elia has been granted permits for grid reinforcements in the Port of Ghent
Picture © Elia
Elia Transmission Belgium has been granted planning permission for two projects in the Ghent section of North Sea Port. These involve the construction of a new high-voltage substation in Kluizendok and the refurbishment of the existing Kennedylaan substation in Desteldonk.
With these investments, Elia is preparing the electricity grid for the growing demand from businesses in the port area. The substations must also provide capacity for new connections and the further electrification of industrial processes. In this way, the projects also support the energy transition and the move towards a more sustainable industry in the Port of Ghent.
New station in Kluizendok
The Kluizendok high-voltage substation will be located at the junction of Vasco da Gamalaan and Marco Polostraat. The substation is intended to provide additional connection capacity for businesses in the surrounding area. Elia is installing new 150/36 kV feed-in capacity, four power transformers and equipment at various voltage levels.
According to the current schedule, work is due to start in August 2026. Completion is scheduled for 2029–2030.
Kennedylaan is being completely renovated
The 36 kV high-voltage substation on Kennedylaan in Desteldonk is also due for refurbishment. The existing installation has reached the end of its technical lifespan, but remains necessary for the electricity supply to the Port of Ghent.
The outdated buildings will be demolished and replaced by three new buildings. In addition, cables and installations will be upgraded and an emergency generator will be installed as a back-up. The works are expected to run from mid-August 2026 until 2029–2030.
Additional grid capacity for the industrial cluster
Demand for electricity in the Port of Ghent is rising due to new business activities and the electrification of existing processes. The two substations are intended to ensure that businesses can continue to rely on sufficient connection options and a reliable electricity grid in the future.
These projects are not in isolation. Together with the construction of the new Baekeland high-voltage substation, they form part of a wider programme to strengthen the electricity grid in the Port of Ghent. These investments are intended to prepare the region for rising electricity demand and the further electrification of industrial activities.
At both sites, Elia is also focusing on integration into the surrounding environment and sustainable water management, including through green buffers and infiltration facilities.
Further information can be found in Elia’s press release.
Key figures
- Projects: Kluizendok high-voltage substation and refurbished Kennedylaan substation
- Location: Port of Ghent (North Sea Port)
- Grid operator: Elia Transmission Belgium
- Objective: additional grid capacity to support industrial growth, electrification and the energy transition
- Start of works: August 2026
- Completion: 2029–2030
- Part of: wider grid reinforcement in the Port of Ghent, in conjunction with Baekeland
