High-voltage substation Noordschote

The high-voltage substation in Noordschote is an important node in the Westhoek that provides electricity to the region. System operator Elia wants to ready this node for the future. With the energy transition, higher electricity consumption is expected in the region . For example, because of the increase in the number of electric cars, the use of heat pumps and the electrification of businesses. For this reason, Elia will be adapting the high-voltage substation to meet the needs of the future . Furthermore, efforts are also going to be made to make the high-voltage substation and its surroundings greener.

Elia will carry out the following works inside the fencing of the high-voltage substation.

• Two new power transformers (70kV/15kV)
  A transformer converts voltage from a higher to lower level and vice versa. The two new transformers will ensure that Elia can convert more high-voltage electricity (70kV) into medium-voltage (15kV). Distribution system operator Fluvius will bring this electricity to homes and businesses in the region.
  
  

• Adaptation of switching equipment (70kV)
  In order to be able to use the new transformers, an adaptation or renewal of switching equipment is necessary. This system is similar to the electricity distribution box in a house, but then on a much larger scale. Switching equipment consists of different switching fields connected to each other by a bus bar.
  
  
• Construction of new control room
  Elia is going to build a new control room that monitors the operation of the high-voltage substation. Data (frequency, voltage, power) is transmitted continuously from the relay room to Elia. This allows the high voltage station to operate safely remotely.

During the works Elia will strive to minimise the disruption to local residents.

• Work will only take place during the day, between 7:00 and 19:00.
  
• Elia guarantees that homes and businesses will always be accessible during the works.
  
• Site traffic will use the shortest, safest and most accessible routes.

After the works Elia will establish additional green buffers and zones.

• A green screen will be erected between a new fence and the road.
  
• Grass zones will be laid out and a separate hedge planted.
  
• The gravel beds in the high-voltage substation will be sown with ground-covering vegetation.

• Preparatory work: started in May 2022
• Effective works: July 2022 – mid-2025

Noise near high-voltage installations (in Dutch)
What is a high voltage high-voltage substation? (in Dutch)