Elia

Elia Transmission Belgium (Elia) is the Belgian transmission system operator (TSO). It transports electricity from producers to distribution system operators and major industrial users in a safe, reliable and efficient manner. Elia owns the whole of the extra-high-voltage grid (150 to 380 kV) and owns and has user rights over around 94% of the high-voltage grid (30 to 70 kV).

To meet consumer demands and integrate massive amounts of renewable energy into the grid, Elia has an impressive investment portfolio which comprises both on- and offshore assets. The Belgian electricity grid is one of the most open and interconnected ones in Europe, since it comprises direct connections to the Netherlands, Germany, France and Great Britain.

Elia’s parent company is Elia Group. The latter comprises several other subsidiaries, including transmission system operator 50Hertz in Germany. Together, Elia and 50Hertz operate 19,192 km of high-voltage connections, making Elia Group one of Europe's top five TSOs. As a key player in the energy system, Elia Group is committed to working in the interest of society. It provides communities with a robust power grid, so supporting socioeconomic prosperity, and constantly adapts it in order to respond to the rapid increase in renewable energy and so encourage decarbonisation. Elia Group ensures that its investments are made on time and within budget, with a maximum focus on safety. In carrying out its projects, Elia Group interacts with its stakeholders in a proactive way by establishing two-way communication channels between all relevant parties very early on in the development process.

Bernard De Clercq, Group Head of European Affairs at Elia on RGI:

“Building the necessary electricity transmission infrastructure to enable Europe’s energy transition is our main priority - and our main challenge. As we drive forward the energy transition, we ensure that the interests of society are represented through regular collaboration, exchange and interaction with a wide range of stakeholders. This is the reason why we value RGI and working closely with the NGO community so much. Together we support the development of the grid infrastructure that is needed to ensure that the green transition is a success.”

RGI gratefully acknowledges the EU LIFE funding support:

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Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the LIFE Programme. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.