The transmission system operators Amprion (Germany) and Elia Group (Belgium) officially opened the Aachen-Liege grid connection line (ALEGrO), which is the first power connection channel between Germany and Belgium. Using Siemens' high-voltage direct current (HVDC) technology, the tie line can carry approximately 1000 MW of power. The 90-kilometer link provides much-needed cross-border grid capacity, including a higher proportion of renewable energy. The connection line will strengthen the security of power supply in the Aachen-Cologne region of Germany.