--- title: "Netherlands and Belgium reinforce Brabo interconnector between the Netherlands and Belgium, as part of Brabo; Double Maasbracht–Kinrooi by 2035." sdDatePublished: "2026-08-06T09:03:00Z" source: "https://www.tennet.eu/nl-en/news/belgium-and-netherlands-jointly-work-stronger-european-energy-system" topics: - name: "electricity" identifier: "medtop:20000260" - name: "international relations" identifier: "medtop:20000638" locations: - "Belgium" - "United Kingdom" - "Netherlands" --- Netherlands and Belgium reinforce Brabo interconnector between the Netherlands and Belgium, as part of Brabo; Double Maasbracht–Kinrooi by 2035. Belgium and the Netherlands jointly work on stronger European energy system Belgium and the Netherlands jointly work on stronger European energy system To enable increased and efficient electricity transmission between the Netherlands and Belgium, we commissioned a reinforced interconnector on Tuesday in collaboration with Belgian grid operator Elia. This is an example of how we work together on the European energy system of the future. In Antwerp, Prime Minister Rob Jetten and Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever joined us in celebrating this collaboration. Europe is in the midst of the energy transition. Together, we use more and more electricity and generate ever-increasing amounts of power. Interconnectors enable the international exchange of all this electricity by linking national high-voltage grids. In 2024, TenneT upgraded the Dutch section of the interconnector with Belgium by increasing the capacity of the Rilland-Zandvliet connection by 30 per cent. With project Brabo, Elia has now also upgraded the Belgian side of the interconnector. As part of the same project, the Belgian grid operator reinforced the electricity grid in the Port of Antwerp. The reinforced interconnector contributes to a reliable electricity supply on both sides of the border. For example, when there is no wind in Belgium, wind energy from the North Sea can flow via the interconnector to our southern neighbours. Conversely, we can supply electricity from across the border to the Netherlands if we experience a temporary shortfall here. The EU has therefore recognised this connection as a Project of Common Interest. This cross-border grid upgrade supports the integration of the European energy market, strengthens energy independence and contributes to European climate and energy targets. ‘Securing our own energy supply’ Speaking in Antwerp, Prime Minister Rob Jetten Brabo pointed out the boost to the economy in the Antwerp region and in the south-west of the Netherlands. ‘And, not least, this project is about reducing our international dependence on energy supplies. Both our countries and the whole of Europe must take much greater responsibility for their own energy supply. In recent years, this has also rapidly become a security issue.’ Comment by Bart De Wever Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever sees a blueprint for European cooperation in strategic areas such as energy infrastructure. ‘In an increasingly uncertain geopolitical context, this will strengthen our open strategic autonomy, our competitiveness and our future prosperity,’ said De Wever, echoing his Dutch counterpart Jetten. Working on yet another connection Following Brabo, TenneT and Elia are entering a new phase in their collaboration. Both system operators are preparing to double electricity transmission between Maasbracht in the Netherlands and Kinrooi in Belgium. The project forms part of investment plans on both sides of the border as well as European network development plans. This strategic energy link is, in fact, essential for the further integration of the European electricity market. The aim is to bring the reinforced Maasbracht–Kinrooi link into service by 2035. We're developing a future-proof electricity grid and preparing the Netherlands for tomorrow’s energy. One of the key steps is LionLink – an innovative electricity connection between the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.