Civil work under enormous time pressure

Belgium's first green hydrogen plant is being built at the port of Zeebrugge. But what is such a plant without energy to run on? That is why grid operator Elia has had a high-voltage substation built right next to the new plant, on the premises of gas grid operator Fluxys. Mourik s.a. has been Elia's regular partner for projects of this kind for 10 years. But it was certainly not a routine job, as the time pressure was enormous. What if the plant was finished, but without a power supply? That was absolutely not to happen.

Foundation and construction, infrastructure and site finishing

The scope included all civil work: the foundations, the construction of a medium-voltage cabin and a relay room, where power distribution, protection and metering take place. We also realised a transformer pit, laid the infrastructure and finished off the site neatly with fencing and greenery. Technically, this is familiar territory for Mourik, but every project has its peculiarities. In Zeebrugge we carried out a pilot with a new roof structure: fully glued to a modified insulation layer and more resistant to wind and water than the usual fastening with Gripfix. A technical innovation that fits Elia's sustainable ambitions and our way of working.

Groundwater treatment at rapid pace

When we started pumping, we encountered contaminated groundwater. This threatened an immediate delay. Groundwater remediation at the site was not an option, as it was too expensive, too slow and required a permit. So we immediately switched to an alternative approach. We placed three large containers of 80 cubic metres each, pumped up the groundwater in them and had tankers commute to an external treatment plant. That's how we kept the schedule going. A good example of how we keep building under pressure and move with the times.

On paper, this was a routine job. We have been working with Elia for more than 10 years and have built many of these high-voltage substations. But practice is always different. The location, planning and technical requirements differ each time. That requires experience as well as agility. In Zeebrugge, we worked on a tight site with logistical constraints. Fortunately, it was also familiar territory, as owner Fluxys is also a valued client. All in all, this project is typical of our growing relationship with Elia. And also a good example of how we tackle challenges together. With confidence in each other and in the future.