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French utility Engie said it has started construction of one of Europe’s largest battery storage systems at a site in Vilvoorde, Belgium.
“As renewable energy sources continue to increase their share in the energy mix, the contribution of battery storage systems to ensuring the reliability and security of the energy system becomes key. Batteries will be able to smooth out peaks in renewable energy production and release this energy when production is lower and consumption is higher,” commented Engie Executive Vice President Sebastien Arbola.
The battery park received planning permission in July 2023. It covers an area of 3.5 hectares and has an installed capacity of 200 MW. The system can store 800 MWh of energy in 320 battery modules with dimensions of 25 x 4 x 3 m and supply it to the grid within four hours.
The Engie project will provide electricity to 96,000 households. The battery park has signed a 15-year contract with national grid operator Elia.
The system will be launched in two phases. 100 MW will be commissioned in September 2025 and another 100 MW in January 2026. Engie is also developing two other similar projects in Belgium, which have received permits – Karot (100 MW / 400 MWh) and Drogenbos (80 MW / 320 MWh).
As of December 31, 2023, the company has 1.3 GW of battery capacity in use and 3.6 GW of battery capacity under development. By 2030, Engie aims to have 10 GW of batteries installed worldwide.
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