Construction of Baekeland substation begins in Belgium
The new 380/150 kV facility will strengthen Belgium’s power grid, support industrial electrification and enable ArcelorMittal’s future low-carbon steel production.
Image for illustrative purposes
Belgium, Ghent: Construction of the Baekeland high-voltage substation in Ghent, Belgium, officially got under way on 15 December 2025. According to a company press release, the new facility will serve several major industrial users, including operations of steelmaker ArcelorMittal in Belgium.
Once completed, Baekeland will become a key hub in the Belgian electricity system. Power will be delivered through a combination of underground cables and overhead lines, before being transformed to different voltage levels for large industrial customers. The project is expected to significantly improve access to electricity for the North Sea Port area and nearby industrial zones, while supporting the region’s wider energy transition.
ArcelorMittal Belgium is set to become the first company in the country to receive a direct connection to the 380 kV grid by 2030. In November, the company reached an agreement with transmission system operator Elia, as its existing 150 kV connection will not be sufficient for planned electric arc furnaces. The new link will provide the required capacity and plays a central role in the company’s decarbonisation strategy for steel production.
The substation will be developed in stages on a 15-ha site along the R4 East route. Works include several 380 kV and 150 kV hybrid substations, phase-shifting transformers and associated infrastructure. Commissioning is scheduled for 2030.
“This project is a decisive step towards electric steel production,” said Frederik Van de Velde, CEO of ArcelorMittal Belgium.
The company has previously adjusted its $2.3 B (€2 B) decarbonisation investment plans for Ghent due to challenging profitability.
Source: GMK Center
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