Natural resources

Elia decided in 2018 to pursue this action for another five years without subsidies under the name “Life2” by adding more green corridors (122 ha). In addition to this, the other objective of this project was to further monitor the evolution of these areas and their maintenance in order to assess the impact on biodiversity. The results are highly encouraging, with 98% of evaluated sites showing conclusive outcomes.

(Further information on these projects can be found on http://www.life-elia.eu/ )

Elia has again applied to the European Life program for the continuation of this project, the focus being set this time on electrical lines located in Natura 2000 zones.

Elia is currently studying how to develop our internal geographical grid database in order to integrate all the areas where these specific management measures have been put in place.

5.8.3.3 Bird protection

G4 EUS EN12

High-voltage lines can harm bird life. Hence Elia also makes a huge effort to protect birds and minimise negative impacts.

For this reason, Elia is installing bird markers – in order to make the lines more visible for the avifauna and thus more easily avoidable – and nests – to reduce these negative impacts and protect some endangered species. With the help of Belgium's leading environmental associations, Elia has identified the 130 sections of its network that pose the greatest hazard to birdlife. Measuring 200 km in total, they are gradually being fitted with bird anticollision devices over a 10 year-period (starting in 2016). If a project is due to take place on these sections, markers will be installed immediately.

For sections without projects, we will seize the opportunity of scheduled interventions to fit markers on conductors or earth connections.

Elia did also apply together with various partners (TSOs RTE and REN and other nature and bird protection organizations) to the European LIFE programme with a project “Safelines4Birds” targeting specific endangered bird species considered as “prioritary”.