Zelzate - Kallo

    Why this project?

    Fluxys is a key pioneer in the energy transition in Belgium.

    That’s why we’re preparing to build a hydrogen pipeline and a CO2 pipeline between Zelzate and Kallo. This new infrastructure will not only enable suppliers to bring hydrogen to market as a carbon-neutral energy carrier, but will also enable the CO2 harvested by companies to be transported between two major industrial clusters: the ports of Antwerp and Ghent.

    Connecting these two ports creates a strategic link that offers a future-oriented solution for the security of supply and decarbonisation of Belgium and neighbouring countries. Building these pipelines is also an important step in implementing Belgium's federal hydrogen strategy and the Flemish hydrogen vision, both of which aim to make our country a European hydrogen hub.

    Work to lay the pipelines and build the above-ground facilities is scheduled to start in 2025 (after the relevant permits are obtained).

    Facts and figures

    • The pipelines will be built on the territory of the towns of Zelzate, Wachtebeke, Moerbeke, Stekene, Sint-Gillis-Waas and Beveren.
    • Length of the pipelines: approximately 36 km
    • Diameter of the pipelines: 600 mm and 1000 mm

    Consultation

    Landowners and operators have their own point of contact at Fluxys, from the preliminary study of a project to the restoration of a site following the construction of a pipeline. This allows them to consult with someone familiar with their concerns and the features of their land from the outset.

    When? With whom? On what?
    From Spring 2023 onwards
    Landowners and operators Identification of and initial contact with the parties concerned
    September 2023 Landowners and operators Information sessions presenting the project
    After the start of the Declaration of Public Utility procedure Landowners Conclusion of easement agreements with the owners of land crossed by the pipeline
    Before digging the trench Operators Production of a joint site description
    Once the trench has been dug Operators Production of a description of any drainage present
    After the restoration of drainage Operators Confirmation that drainage has been restored
    After the restoration of the site(s) Operators Acceptance of the site(s) +
    joint evaluation of damage and payment of compensation

    Permit procedures

    Permit procedure Public consultation Status
    Gewestelijk Ruimtelijk Uitvoeringsplan (GRUP)   On 15 September 2023, the Flemish government approved the draft regional land-use plan (GRUP). A public survey will be organised from 10 October to 8 December 2023. Additional information can be found on the website of the Flemish administration's Environment Department.
    Declaration of Public Utility

    Evergem
    Gent
    Wachtebeke
    Zelzate

    From 1 March 2024 until 30 March 2024
    From 22 April 2024 until 22 May 2024   
    From 13 March 2024 until 12 April 2024   
    From 4 March 2024 until 2 April 2024   

    Environmental permit for the route in the Flemish Region   From Spring 2024             
    Transmission permit   From Spring 2024