French utility Engie plans to construct an 80-MW/320-MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) in Drogenbos, Flemish Brabant, with commercial operations expected by September 2027.
The project will increase Engie’s total energy storage capacity in Belgium to nearly 400 MW, consolidating the company’s position in the rapidly growing Belgian storage market.
The Drogenbos BESS will feature 88 battery modules capable of providing four hours of storage, enough to meet the daily electricity needs of approximately 38,400 households. Construction is scheduled to begin in March 2026, with the facility forming Engie’s third large-scale battery installation in the country, following the 200-MW/800-MWh Vilvoorde and 100-MW/400-MWh Kallo projects.
This latest project secured a 15-year capacity contract through the fifth Capacity Remuneration Mechanism (CRM) auction conducted by Belgian high-voltage grid operator Elia, commencing November 2027. The CRM framework is designed to ensure long-term reliability of the electricity system by incentivizing dispatchable capacity, including battery storage, to complement intermittent renewable generation.
By strategically expanding battery storage, Engie is positioning itself to address the growing grid integration challenges of renewable energy, particularly solar and wind, which accounted for 19% and 13% of Belgium’s electricity generation, respectively, in 2024. Large-scale BESS projects like Drogenbos help stabilize the grid, provide frequency response, and optimize energy arbitrage, mitigating the variability inherent in renewables.
Stay updated on the latest in energy! Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and X for real-time news and insights. Don’t miss out on exclusive interviews and webinars—subscribe to our YouTube channel today! Join our community and be part of the conversation shaping the future of energy.
