Sungrow and Engie have announced the completion of the first phase of a major battery energy storage system (BESS) project in Vilvoorde, Belgium, which has been described as mainland Europe’s largest such facility.
The project has a total planned capacity of 200 MW/800 MWh, and recently connected its initial 400 MWh to the national grid. The facility utilises 320 PowerTitan liquid-cooled battery units provided by Sungrow, a specialist in PV inverters and energy storage systems.
The second and final phase of the project is now underway, and is set to connect to the grid by the end of this year. Once operational, the full system will enhance grid stability and provide reliable, clean energy for as many as 96,000 households in Belgium.
Energy transition
“Battery storage is one of the most critical, yet often overlooked, components of a successful energy transition,” commented Moritz Rolf, vice president of Sungrow Europe, responsible for the business in DACH, Benelux, Nordics, and Turkey. “This project is a key demonstration of how Sungrow’s technology provides the grid flexibility that is essential for the next phase of Europe’s renewable energy journey.
“Our strategic and successful partnership with Engie on the Vilvoorde project emphasises the important role of battery storage in delivering clean power for all, and strengthens our commitment to the European market.”
The Vilvoorde facility will absorb surplus energy during periods of high production, releasing it back to the grid when demand is high – ensuring reliable, flexible electricity supply from renewable sources.
As Sungrow said in a statement, a BESS facility of this size will ‘serve as a blueprint’ for incorporating large-scale battery energy storage into legacy energy networks.
‘Additional flexibility’
Commenting on the launch of the first phase, Vincent Verbeke, CEO of Engie Belgium, said, “With the first series of batteries now operational in Vilvoorde, Engie is delivering part of the additional flexibility the electricity grid requires to balance supply and demand. The efficient construction of this battery park is only possible thanks to strong partnerships.
“By working hand in hand with trusted and innovative partners such as Sungrow, we can continue to accelerate the integration of renewables into the grid, and help deliver a more reliable, sustainable and affordable energy system.” Read more here.
