ENGIE has initiated the construction of a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Vilvoorde, Belgium.
Scheduled for phased operation starting September 2025, the BESS Vilvoorde project marks a milestone in ENGIE’s efforts to bolster grid stability and support renewable energy integration across Europe.
The BESS Vilvoorde facility, covering a 3.5-hectare site, will have a 200MW capacity, capable of storing 800MWh of energy using 320 battery modules.
These modules, measuring 25 metres in length, four metres in width and three metres in height, will facilitate the release of stored energy back into the grid during peak demand periods, effectively supporting approximately 96,000 households with electricity.
Elia, the Belgian national grid operator, has secured a 15-year contract with BESS Vilvoorde, highlighting its role in enhancing grid reliability.
Sébastien Arbola, Executive Vice President in charge of Flex Gen & Retail activities, commented: “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.
“Batteries will enable the absorption of peaks in renewable energy production, and the release of this energy when production is lower and consumption higher.
“These flexibility solutions will thus help accelerate the development of renewable energies and the energy transition.”
