Battery systems

In Belgium, ENGIE is playing a leading role in the transition towards a low-carbon future. Alongside renewable energy, energy storage has an important role to play.

Renewable energy production is intermittent. This means that when there is a lot of sunshine or wind, renewable sources can sometimes generate too much electricity, while at other times, when there is insufficient sun or wind, they may produce too little to meet demand. This can lead to congestion on the electricity grid or to generation shortages during periods of peak consumption. Indeed, the grid must constantly and instantly balance electricity production and consumption. This task becomes increasingly challenging as the share of renewable generation capacity grows.

Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) can support the electricity grid and help meet the growing need for flexibility. They do so by absorbing peaks in (renewable) energy production, storing the energy, and releasing it when (renewable) generation is lower.

As a leading producer of green energy in Belgium, ENGIE also aims to take the lead in this field by developing battery projects. To this end, ENGIE has submitted permit applications for several battery parks, some of which are already under construction or operational today.

Which sites are concerned by these projects?

Vilvoorde site - 200 MW (built and operational)
Drogenbos site - 80 MW (under construction)
Kallo site - 100 MW (under construction)
Coo site - 74 MW (under construction)