Grid operator sees faster-than-expected industrial electrification in Flanders
The Belgian grid operator Fluvius expects to invest an additional 200 million euros in its medium-voltage grids in the coming years. This is due to Flemish industry electrifying faster than anticipated, according to the company.
On Tuesday, Fluvius announced plans to upgrade or replace 7,500 kilometres of medium-voltage cables, accounting for 15 per cent of the total network. This is a significant increase on the company's earlier estimate of 5,500 kilometres made in 2022.
The increased investment is largely due to higher-than-anticipated electricity demand from Flemish businesses. The switch to electric boilers in particular will affect peak electricity demand in the region.
Despite this, Fluvius said its overall electrification investment will remain steady at 4 billion euros. The company will invest about 200 million euros less in low-voltage grids and substations due to lower-than-expected adoption of electric vehicles and heat pumps.
Flexible energy use
For the first time, Fluvius has introduced a data management plan, outlining annual investments of around 30 million euros over the next decade. These funds will be divided between 41 initiatives designed to give customers more options for using energy. One initiative, for example, involves separate energy meters for heat pumps or EV chargers, which could allow for dedicated electricity contracts.
The updated plan will be subject to public consultation in the coming weeks, with final submission to the Flemish Energy Regulator (VREG) due in October. On Tuesday, Fluvius CEO Frank Vanbrabant warned that financing the updated plans would likely require higher network rates, which could lead to increased electricity bills.
#FlandersNewsService | © BELGA PHOTO DIRK WAEM
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