This project includes the permitting process for the construction of 3 large battery energy storage systems. Vilvoorde (200MW/800MWh), Kallo (100MW/400MWh) and Drogenbos (80MW,320MWh)

The energy transition is resulting in increasing integration of decentralized renewable energy production. ENGIE, with its diversified generation fleet, contributes daily to the expansion of renewable capacity and is constantly committed to accelerating the energy transition. However, the rising demand for renewable energy and the current phase-out of nuclear power require ever greater flexibility from the electricity network. Energy storage is becoming a necessary asset to cope with fluctuating energy production and is an indispensable link in the future energy mix. ENGIE wishes to contribute in flexible and sustainable solutions to meet this challenge and is therefore committed to the development and construction of large-scale storage systems, such as battery farms.

Battery energy storage systems help store intermittent renewable energy production such as solar and/or wind energy at times when the overall energy supply on the market is greater than demand. This energy can then be injected into the grid at times when energy demand and consumption are high or peak. Furthermore, battery systems compensate for high reactivity fluctuations on the grid and in this way ensure the stability of the Belgian electricity grid.

Energy storage systems provide temporary energy storage. They consist of a multitude of smaller lithium-ion cells installed in containers and interconnected to be connected to Elia’s transmission network (150 kV) via a step-up transformer. The battery units are equipped with a monitoring system to ensure continuous monitoring of the installation and to react in very short response times to questions and needs from the electricity network or the market.

In July 2023, ENGIE received the permit to build the battery farm and in October 2023, the project was selected for capacity compensation. Belgian battery projects can qualify for the “capacity reimbursement mechanism” (CRM).  This mechanism guarantees, through financial support from the government, that sufficient capacity is available to secure the supply of electricity.

In September 2025, the first 100 megawatts of battery capacity will be commissioned in Vilvoorde, with the other 100 megawatts to follow in January 2026. When the park is fully operational, the BESS can provide power at full capacity for four hours. The battery is equivalent to about 160,000 5-kilowatt-hour home batteries.

The administrative building with social facilities, offices and the control room for the BESS was licensed in a separate application.