Fluvius strengthens electricity grid for additional fast chargers along E17 in Kalken
Grid company Fluvius is finalising the preparatory works for the commissioning of Circle K's new fast-charging stations along the E17 in Kalken. This required some grid reinforcements in recent months, including an undercut of the E17. The charging islands will be fully operational this autumn.
The works at TotalEnergies' filling station in Kalken were carried out at the request of Circle K, which operates internationally in filling stations and convenience stores. In Belgium, it is a joint venture between Circle K (60%) and TotalEnergies (40%) that manages the Retail & Cards business under the TotalEnergies brand through a brand and supply agreement.
The loading island in Kalken is already partially operating there, but can only fully open after grid reinforcements. Circle K is investing heavily in fast-charging infrastructure along Belgium's motorways, counting on a reliable grid that can deliver the large capacities demanded by these installations.
Precision work under the motorway
A crucial step in this project was the undercutting of the E17 motorway. Using a so-called steering tool, Fluvius was able to determine and measure the location of the cables to the nearest centimetre, which is very important for construction work at this complex location. Such precision drilling is becoming increasingly common, including for grid reinforcements.
"Fast charging stations like this are crucial for the advance of electric mobility in Flanders," says Dave Van den Bosch, technical manager at Fluvius. "There will certainly be more stations like this, also from a lot of other players. Since they invariably require hefty electrical power, they are also an important factor in building our networks for tomorrow. Finding the right capacities and finding the best way to get them on site is certainly a challenge in this regard."
David Callens