‘Largest battery in mainland Europe’ powers up in Belgium

Energy company Engie, alongside battery energy storage system (BESS) provider Sungrow, announced this week the successful commissioning of the first phase of the 200 MW/800 MWh BESS at the Vilvoorde site, in Belgium.

Sungrow described the project as the largest of its kind in mainland Europe as it announced a 100 MW/400 MWh first phase of the site had been connected to the grid. Phase two is expected before 2026.

The site deploys 320 of Sungrow’s PowerTitan liquid-cooled battery units, which aim to offer a higher-density configuration.

Sungrow’s James Li told pv magazine, in 2023, the liquid-cooling option on both the PCS [power conversion system] and battery storage for the PowerTitan 2.0 series offer a 7% density increase, bringing improved thermal performance and a significant reduction in noise. Li said the product operated at 75 decibels, compared to the previous 79 dB.

Moritz Rolf, vice president of Sungrow Europe emphasized Sungrow’s commitment to the region. “Our strategic and successful partnership with Engie on the Vilvoorde project emphasizes the important role of battery storage in delivering clean power for all and strengthens our commitment to the European market,” he said.

Originally intended as a gas-fired plant, the Vilvoorde site pivoted to battery storage following permitting hurdles that forced a change of plan. 

Engie CEO Vincent Verbeke thanked Sungrow for its partnership as it tries to balance supply and demand. “The efficient construction of this battery park is only possible thanks to strong partnerships,” Verbeke said. “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.”

In addition to Vilvoorde, Engie has the 100 MW/400 MWh Kallo project in Belgium – near the village of that name – which is under construction and slated for 2027 completion.

Mainland Europe’s biggest?

While Sungrow has staked the “mainland Europe’s biggest” claim for Vilvoorde, a Bulgarian project, inaugurated in May, is operating as a 124 MW/496 MWh BESS. Once Engie and Sungrow get the second-phase of Vilvoorde commissioned, the record holder will be clearer.

For the sake of the argument, and across the English channel, the United Kingdom’s largest battery is the 300 MW/600 MWh Thurrock site.