Forestry Assessment for High-Voltage Grid Enhancement Projects

The necessary adaptation of the high-voltage grid to the current context (including the transmission of wind energy) involves, in particular, the modernization of existing overhead lines. In this context, Ecofirst strive to minimize the impact of these construction projects on vegetation. When such impacts cannot be avoided, we negotiate mitigation or even compensation measures with the affected landowners, as well as restoration efforts, with the aim of increasing the proportion of Ecological corridors after the work is completed.

From 2018 to 2023, Ecofirst worked on the Boucle de l’Est – Step 2 project to reinforce the line connecting Malmedy to Trois-Ponts, handling 40 negotiation cases spread over 25 km. In this context, we developed 18 hectares of Ecological corridors in addition to the areas developed by the LIFE Elia project (2011–2017).

Since 2022, we provided the expertise to ensure the success of powerline enhancement projects, on such projects as Hastière-Pondrôme —18.8 km powerline and 30 negotiation cases; Lixhe-Jupille—18 km of powerline and 20 negotiation cases; Gramme-Rimière—15 km of powerline and 15 negotiation cases; and Gramme-Van Eyck—37 km of powerline and 25 negotiation cases.

All these projects represent together more than 100 negotiation cases handled and, when completed, will enable the development of several tens of hectares of new Ecological corridors.

At the same time, Ecofirst is involved in the preparation of several infrastructure projects on whole Belgium.

Our expertise for this project:

• Project coordination: Th. Lefèvre
• Negotiations and forestry expertise: Th. Lefèvre, V. Claes, M. Manderlier, L. Coquelet
• Coordination of tree felling and landscaping: Th. Lefèvre, V. Claes, M. Manderlier, L. Coquelet