August 5, 2026 Belgian prime minister Bart de Wever (l) and Rob Jetten at the opening of the Brabo III line. Photo: Robin van Lonkhuijsen/ANP

The Netherlands and Belgium have opened a new high-voltage power line that will allow 30% more electricity to flow between the two countries.

The so-called Brabo III project connects Antwerp’s harbour to the Rilland high-voltage station across the border in Zeeland. The scheme is designed to reduce strain on the electricity grid and reduce electricity prices in both countries.

Dutch prime minister Rob Jetten and his Belgian counterpart Bart de Wever both attended the official opening in Antwerp. Jetten said the link was an important step towards ensuring European countries can produce their own energy.

“In recent years that has rapidly become a security issue,” he said. “It might not be how the Brabo III project started, but in today’s world it is an important element.”

De Wever said the line, which will supply power to companies such as BASF and Ineos, was “a new artery for our industry”.

Belgian grid operator Elia has spent 10 years building the power line, including two 192 metre-high masts at the Kallosluis, which links the Schelde to the Waaslandkanaal.

The Netherlands will be able to export up to 30% more solar and wind energy on high production days, while at other times it can import more power to meet rapidly increasing demand.

Utrecht has currently frozen all new applications for high-voltage electricity connections because the network has reached saturation point, while operator Tennet warned earlier in the year that some areas were approaching maximum capacity.