Start of construction of Baekeland high-voltage substation: new backbone for the Belgian electricity grid

Pictures: ©Wim De Wulf
 

On Monday 15 December 2025, construction of the new Baekeland high-voltage substation in Ghent officially commenced. The 380/150 kV substation along the R4-East will be an important link in Belgium's electricity supply, playing a essential role for the port and surrounding industry.
 

Crucial reinforcement of the energy infrastructure

The €400 million strategic investment will significantly increase the capacity of the electricity grid and comes at a crucial moment: the Belgian electricity grid is under severe pressure and grid congestion means that not all companies can simply connect to it. This expansion will create essential space for energy-intensive companies that play a key role in the energy transition. The station will also serve as a hub for the integration of sustainable electricity from the North Sea and other sources.

In addition to the new 380 kV connections, the 150 kV grid will also receive a significant boost, with capacity increasing by 40%. This will benefit not only large consumers, but also companies connected at lower voltage levels, who will enjoy a more robust and reliable power supply. This will better prepare the entire industrial cluster around North Sea Port for the transition to electric production processes.

This strengthening of the network also forms the basis for concrete projects by major industrial players.

Strategic connection of ArcelorMittal Belgium

A first important step in the project is the agreement between ArcelorMittal Belgium and Elia. By 2030, the steel producer will be directly connected to the 380 kV grid, paving the way for the switch to electric steel production. This connection is crucial to guarantee the necessary capacity for the planned decarbonisation of the steel industry. It illustrates how socially and economically important players are rightly given priority for new connections.

Significance for the region of Smart Delta Resources

The Baekeland project strengthens the Flemish industrial cluster around North Sea Port and offers companies greater certainty about their energy supply. In doing so, it accelerates the sustainable transition and helps our region remain internationally competitive. For Smart Delta Resources, this project is an important milestone in the joint ambition to develop the Scheldt Delta region into a leading sustainable industrial hub.
 

Key data Baekeland project

• Location: Ghent, along the R4 East
• Investment: €400 million
• Area: 15 hectares
• Capacity increase: +40% on the 150 kV grid
• Strategic connection: ArcelorMittal Belgium directly to the 380 kV grid by 2030
• Phasing:
  • Step 1: prepare the site for construction and adapt the infrastructure
  • Step 2: construction of new high-voltage substations (380 kV and 150 kV)
  • Step 3: installation of heavy transformers and supporting buildings
  • Step 4: creation of a green buffer zone
  • Step 5: full commissioning planned by 2030

To the press release of Elia