Brussels (Brussels Morning) – ENGIE is constructing a massive Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Vilvoorde, Belgium, with 200 MW capacity and 800 MWh storage, aiming to support 96,000 households with renewable energy solutions.
ENGIE has started building one of Europe’s largest Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) at its Vilvoorde place in Belgium. The project, authorised in July 2023 and selected for power remuneration in October 2023, has an inaugurated capacity of 200 MW on a 3.5-hectare site.
What are the specifications of ENGIE’s Vilvoorde BESS project?
French electric utility ENGIE SA has undertaken construction of a 200-MW/800-MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) at its Vilvoorde site on the outskirts of Brussels in Belgium.
The location, which presently hosts a gas power station, will become residence to one of Europe’s largest batteries, capable of fulfilling the electricity needs of 96,000 households. BESS Vilvoorde will be designated in two phases of 100 MW each, with the first phase in September 2025 and the second stage in January 2026.
The battery energy storage system (BESS), with 200MW capacity, will hold 800 megawatt hours (MWh) of power, enough to back 96,000 households. The development tracks the project’s construction permit given in July 2023 and its selection for capacity remuneration in October 2023. Spanning 3.5 hectares, the Vilvoorde BESS will consist of 320 battery modules, each counting 25m x 4m x 3m. The system will include a four-hour grid release capability, comparable to the storage capacity of 160,000 domestic 5 kilowatt-hours (kWh) batteries.
Who authorized and selected ENGIE’s Vilvoorde BESS project?
The beginning of construction comes after the project received construction access in July 2023 and was selected by Belgian electricity grid operator Elia for accommodation remuneration in October 2023. The battery installation has a 15-year contract with Elia.
Why are battery energy storage systems crucial for energy systems?
“With the growing share of renewable energies in the energy mix, the contribution of battery energy storage systems to ensuring the reliability and security of energy systems is becoming crucial,” remarked Sebastien Arbola, executive vice president in charge of Flex Gen & Retail activities.
What other BESS projects is ENGIE developing in Belgium?
ENGIE is also generating two other BESS projects in Belgium which already have credentials in place, a 100-MW/400-MWh scheme in Kallo and an 80-MW/320-MWh battery in Drogenbos. The firm targets 10 GW of battery capability globally by 2030. At the end of 2023, it contained 1.3 GW of battery capacity in function and 3.6 GW secured under development.
How does ENGIE plan to achieve 10 GW globally?
This project aligns with ENGIE’s dedication to integrating renewable energy and reaching 10 GW of established battery capacity worldwide by 2030. Batteries will allow the absorption of peaks in renewable energy production, and the departure of this energy when production is more down and consumption higher. These flexibility solutions will therefore help accelerate the growth of renewable energies and the energy transition.
