Everyone can respond to the draft plan during this period, which aims to enable the construction of a CO₂ pipeline between Opwijk (Flemish Brabant) and Lievegem (East Flanders). The GRUP reserves specific space for this, in addition to the existing agricultural designation, to permit and bundle pipelines.
The pipeline corridor will be designated parallel to the existing underground pipelines between the stations of Opwijk and Lievegem, with the goal of limiting space usage and minimizing impact. Two alternative routes are being thoroughly investigated for crossing the Port of Ghent, as bundling is not guaranteed there.
This initiative is part of the climate transition and the need to reduce CO₂ emissions. The pipeline forms a 'missing link' in the connection between Germany and Zeebrugge, for which space is already allocated.
The draft plan, which outlines the objectives, the route to be investigated, and the alternatives, can be viewed via the website https://www.vlaanderen.be/grup-leidingstrook-opwijk-lievegem. Input can also be submitted by appointment at the municipalities of Aalst, Berlare, Dendermonde, Evergem, Gent, Lebbeke, Lievegem, Lochristi, Lokeren, Opwijk, and Zele.
Additionally, ten information markets will be organized in the involved municipalities, each running from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM. Pre-registration is mandatory via the website: https://www.vlaanderen.be/grup-leidingstrook-opwijk-lievegem/inspraak, where practical information can also be found.
Following the consultation, the project team will process all feedback and prepare a scoping note. Subsequently, the draft GRUP will be drawn up, which will be open for public inquiry and comment at a later stage.
