A 400 MWh energy storage system is being built in Belgium
In the town of Kallo, in the municipality of Beveren, construction has officially begun on one of the largest energy storage systems in Belgium. The 400 MWh project is being developed by NHOA Energy in collaboration with ENGIE and aims to strengthen the stability of Belgium’s power grid in light of the upcoming partial phase-out of nuclear energy.
Key investment under Belgium’s CRM mechanism
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by Belgium’s Federal Minister of Energy, Mathieu Michel; the Mayor of Beveren, Marc Van de Vijver; ENGIE Belgium CEO, Vincent Verbeke; and Lucie Kanius-Dujardin, Global Managing Director of NHOA Energy. The project is being built on the site of the former Kallo power station, which operated on natural gas and fuel oil until its closure in 2011.
The investment follows ENGIE’s selection as the project operator in the fourth round of the Capacity Remuneration Mechanism (CRM) auction, organized by Belgian grid operator Elia. This mechanism was introduced by the federal government to ensure electricity supply security in anticipation of a projected capacity shortfall following Belgium’s partial nuclear phase-out in 2025.
The modern BESS system in Kallo is expected to play a strategic role in providing grid flexibility and integrating renewable energy sources—particularly wind and solar. Once operational, it will be capable of supplying electricity for up to four hours, enough to meet the demand of over 48,000 households.
Technology and expertise powering the green transition
NHOA Energy, a global provider of industrial-scale energy storage systems, will leverage nearly 20 years of experience in power electronics and engineering to ensure the Kallo system’s reliability, cybersecurity, and performance. The company recently completed the 477 MWh Blyth Battery project in South Australia.
“We are very proud to start construction of the Kallo battery park today, together with the energy minister, local authorities, and our valued partners. This is ENGIE’s second project of this scale in Belgium. The added flexible capacity will allow better use of variable renewables and support grid stability,” said Vincent Verbeke, CEO of ENGIE Belgium.
Lucie Kanius-Dujardin, Global Managing Director of NHOA Energy, added: “Our partnership with ENGIE and the support of Belgian grid operator Elia highlight the crucial role energy storage plays in building a sustainable and resilient European energy system.”
Kallo: a symbol of energy transformation
Transforming a former fossil fuel power station into a modern energy storage facility symbolizes the shift occurring in Europe’s energy sector. Like many other EU countries, Belgium is ramping up efforts to decarbonize and increase the share of renewables in its energy mix. Projects like the one in Kallo aim not only to boost energy security but also to optimize the use of green power, which is variable and requires flexible management.
Source: solarquarter.com