The Dutch energy group Eneco announced on Wednesday that it is investing in a vast battery storage project in the Hainaut region, at Ville-sur-Haine. The facility, with a capacity of 50 MW (200MWh), will be “its largest energy storage infrastructure”.
The permit has been granted, the batteries have been ordered and preliminary studies are underway. The project is expected to be operational by the end of 2024.
The facility, which is the result of a collaboration with Tesla, consists of 53 50MW batteries that can store up to 200MWh. Together, they form a “Battery Energy Storage System” (BESS) that will be capable of supplying energy to the grid for 4 hours.
“Wind power and photovoltaics are not always able to supply electricity at the right time, and demand can only be partially controlled. It is therefore essential to have a flexible energy storage system. This (reserve) capacity, which can be drawn on to meet demand at any time, helps to stabilise the grid,” explains the energy group.
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In partnership with Elia, Eneco will use the batteries to ensure that “the ever-increasing volumes of variable wind and photovoltaic energy production can be used more efficiently”.
“With this project, Eneco is reaffirming its pioneering role in the energy transition. We are contributing to intelligent electricity management in a cost-effective and economic way. We are reducing the impact on energy bills and promoting the development of renewable energies”, the supplier stated.
“Thanks to Belgium’s attractive investment policy and exemption from transport tariffs and excise duties, the largest battery farms in Europe are being built in Belgium. Eneco is once again showing itself to be a partner in the energy transition to 100% renewable energy”, added Energy Minister Tinne Van der Straeten.
