Zelzate - Kallo

Why this project?

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

We therefore started construction of a hydrogen pipeline between Zelzate and Kallo in the spring of 2025. This project was halted due to an appeal procedure relating to the "Omgevingsvergunning" (Flemish building and environmental permit) in April 2025. Fluxys and the appellants have reached an agreement and the permit has been back in force since 9 December 2025 following the withdrawal of the appeal. According to the current schedule, we aim to resume work in early 2026.

The construction of this hydrogen pipeline is an important step in the implementation of the Belgian federal hydrogen strategy and the Flemish hydrogen vision, which aim to make our country a European hydrogen hub.

We are also studying the possibilities for transporting CO₂ between Zelzate and Kallo.

This will enable suppliers to market hydrogen as a carbon-neutral energy carrier and allow the CO₂ captured by companies to be transported between two important industrial clusters: the ports of Antwerp and Ghent.

The connection between the two ports is a strategic link that offers a forward-looking solution for the security of energy supply and the decarbonisation of Belgium and its neighbouring countries.

Facts and figures

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

Progress of the works

The construction of the pipelines is being carried out by the contractor Denys. More information about the works is available on the Denys website.

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

Infosessions

Download the presentations of the infosessions:

Permit procedures

Permit procedure Status
Gewestelijk Ruimtelijk Uitvoeringsplan (GRUP)

On 7 June 2024, the Flemish government gave final approval to the conduit lane.
Additional information can be found on the website of the Flemish administration's Environment Department.
Declaration of Public Utility

The declaration of public utility was granted by royal decree on 15 December 2024.
Omgevingsvergunning (Building and environmental permit for the route in the Flemish Region)

The environmental permit was granted by ministerial decree on 31 January 2025.

Following an appeal procedure, the works were suspended for a period of time. After Fluxys reached an agreement with the parties involved, the permit is back in effect and the works can be restarted.
Hydrogen transmission permit The hydrogen transmission permit was granted by ministerial decree on 6 March 2025.

Infosession environmental permit

Download the presentation of the infosession or a complete set of files with recordings of the session.