Elia Transmission Belgium operates the electricity transmission network in Belgium. We manage the Belgian high-voltage transmission grid (30 kV to 400 kV), which comprises over 8,802.50 km of overhead lines and underground cables. We preserve a service reliability level of 99.99 % and ensure that production and consumption are balanced around the clock. In so doing, we provide society with a robust power grid, which is important for socioeconomic prosperity. Furthermore, Elia Transmission Belgium has the ultimate responsibility for infrastructure innovation, development, and delivery at the mandated voltage levels to help pave the way for a sustainable,  affordable, and future-proof electricity system, with the society at heart.

Elia is a multi-layered organization involving multiple Directions and Departments within these Directions, one of which is the Infrastructure Direction under which is the Engineering Standards and Expertise (ESE) department which hosts the Inter-Open project and its doctoral candidate. Within this department is the Power Electronics Team which is responsible for technical topics revolving around HVDC and FACTS from conception up till commissioning and refurbishment which includes but not limited to, Feasibility studies and Concept designs, HVDC studies, specifications, design/design reviews, FATs, etc. In line with these, the team provides subject matter expertise and also technical support for ongoing and future projects in areas of HVDC specific expertise, DC specific equipment such as DCCBs, FACTS, Synchronous Condensers, etc.