When people talk about energy transition, the focus often lands on generation — offshore wind turbines turning and solar panels catching the sun. The backbone of the transformation is less visible: the transmission grid.
Without robust, interconnected networks, clean electricity cannot reliably reach homes or industry. In that sense, transmission is where the energy transition succeeds or fails.
“Driving the energy transition means building, operating, designing and advising on reliable, cost-efficient and future-proof power systems across borders and sectors,” said Bernard Gustin, CEO of Elia Group. “That is our purpose, to bring power today and tomorrow.”
Electricity demand is rising, fueled by the electrification of transport and industry, growth in data centers and the spread of technologies driven by artificial intelligence. At the same time, decarbonized generation is expanding rapidly, often far from where power is consumed. Bridging that distance requires sustained investment in grids, advanced digital tools and close international coordination.
Elia is one of Europe’s largest transmission system managers, with operations anchored in Belgium and Germany. The group designs, builds and operates high-voltage networks that keep systems reliable while integrating growing renewable flows. Through WindGrid, Elia develops physical infrastructure such as transmission lines, interconnectors and connections to offshore generation assets. Elia Grid International is a global engineering consultancy, providing solutions to complex power system challenges beyond Elia’s home markets.
“We’re not just expanding for growth — we are managing risk and building resilience,” Gustin explained. “Diversification across geographies and regulatory frameworks makes us stronger and ensures we can deliver on our mission.”
“Driving the energy transition means building, operating, designing and advising on reliable, cost-efficient and future-proof power systems across borders and sectors. That is our purpose, to bring power today and tomorrow.”
Bernard Gustin, CEO of Elia Group
The work extends beyond wires and substations. Elia is building the workforce of tomorrow. Engineers are and will always be foundational, but the group is also looking for the best digital and AI talent because technology will fundamentally transform operations in the near future.
“We offer careers that matter,” Gustin said. “People join us because they know their work contributes to a fair, sustainable and inclusive transition.”
By operating as one group — Elia Transmission Belgium, 50Hertz, Elia Grid International and Windgrid — Elia pairs operational execution with long-term planning, turning national expertise into solutions with crossborder impact.
“The commitment is to act responsibly for the people we serve today and for the generations that will depend on the systems built for tomorrow,” Gustin concluded.
