Belgium has announced an ambitious plan to build the world’s first artificial energy island, which is set to become a key component of Europe’s energy transition. The project, dubbed Princess Elisabeth Island, aims to transform the North Sea into one giant green power plant.
Location and Scale
Princess Elisabeth Island will be located about 45 kilometers off the Belgian coast, in the Princess Elisabeth Zone of offshore wind farms. The project will connect 3.5 GW of offshore wind farms to the onshore high-voltage grid, which will help power more than 3 million households. The massive project aims not only to increase renewable energy production, but also to strengthen Belgium’s energy infrastructure.
Financing and Partners
Funding for the project is equally impressive. The European Investment Bank (EIB) has committed €650 million for the first phase, with additional support coming from Belgium’s post-COVID-19 reconstruction plan, which includes a grant of about €100 million. The project is led by Elia Transmission Belgium (ETB), an Elia Group company, which guarantees professional management and implementation.
Infrastructure
The island will be equipped with advanced infrastructure to receive both direct current (HVDC) and alternating current (HVAC). The island’s high-voltage system will connect wind farm export cables, while serving as a hub for future interconnections with the UK and Denmark. This innovative solution will allow for efficient energy management and distribution on a large scale.
Significance for Energy Transformation
The Princess Elisabeth Island project is crucial to enhancing the energy security and independence of Belgium and Europe. The energy island will not only strengthen Belgium’s energy infrastructure, but also promote regional cooperation through important interconnections with neighboring countries. This will make Belgium an important player in the European renewable energy market.
Environmental and Economic Benefits
In addition to energy benefits, the project will also bring significant ecological and economic benefits. It assumes support for the biodiversity of the region and the sea at the project site. In addition, quadrupling offshore wind power capacity by 2040 will help reduce CO2 emissions and lower energy bills. The construction of the energy island will create new jobs and contribute to the development of green energy technologies, strengthening Belgium’s position as a leader in renewable energy sources.
Summary
The construction of Princess Elisabeth Island is a landmark step toward a sustainable energy future. By transforming the North Sea into a green power plant, Belgium is betting on innovation and international cooperation, which could become a model for other countries pursuing an energy transition.
