Groundbreaking Ceremony Marks New Era for Vilvoorde with 200MW Battery Park
Excitement buzzed through the air as Mayor Hans Bonte, local officials, and energy enthusiasts gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking ceremony for a state-of-the-art 200MW battery park at the Engie site in Vilvoorde, Belgium. This monumental event marks a significant step towards a greener and more sustainable future for the region.
A Leap Towards Sustainability
The French energy developer Engie secured the construction permit for this ambitious project in July 2023. Following its selection for a capacity payment in October 2023, the project swiftly transitioned from planning to action. A sprawling 3.5-hectare site has been prepared to host 320 battery modules, each an impressive 25 meters by four meters by three meters.
Phased Power-Up
The park’s start-up will unfold in two phases: the first 100MW of batteries will go live in September 2025, with the remaining 100MW becoming operational by January 2026. Once fully functional, the park will boast the ability to store 800 MWh of power, capable of supplying electricity to 96,000 households for four hours—equivalent to 160,000 5kWh home batteries.
Engie’s Global Vision
Engie’s commitment to renewable energy and storage is clear. The group aims to install 10GW of battery storage worldwide by 2030. In Belgium alone, in addition to the Vilvoorde site, Engie is developing two other significant battery projects: a 100MW facility in Kallo and an 80MW installation in Drogenbos. Permits for these projects have already been obtained, signaling a robust pipeline for the nation’s energy transition.
The Future of Energy in Vilvoorde
Vincent Verbeke, CEO of Engie Belgium, highlighted the importance of this technology in balancing the intermittency of renewable sources like wind and solar power. “Our teams are more focused than ever on meeting the growing need for flexibility, with a view to providing sustainable, reliable, and affordable energy,” he emphasized.
Mayor Hans Bonte also expressed his enthusiasm for the project, noting the historic transformation of the site. “The Vilvoorde site will become a crucial link in making the Belgian sustainable energy transition a success,” he stated. He also mentioned plans for a green recreational area adjacent to the cooling towers, enhancing the city’s commitment to sustainability and honoring its industrial heritage.
A Greener Future for All
As the Engie team and the city of Vilvoorde embark on this exciting journey, the 200MW battery park stands as a testament to innovative technology and unwavering commitment to a sustainable future. With projects like this, Belgium is not only poised to meet its energy needs but also to set a precedent for renewable energy integration worldwide.
Stay tuned for more updates on this transformative project as Vilvoorde paves the way for a greener, more resilient energy landscape. #SustainableEnergy #RenewableEnergy #BatteryStorage #GreenEnergy #EnergyTransition #Vilvoorde #Engie #FutureOfEnergy #GreenTechnology #CleanEnergy
Credit: [Image: Engie]