ENGIE and NHOA Energy held a groundbreaking ceremony today for a 320 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) at ENGIE’s Drogenbos power station near Brussels. The project, awarded in Belgium’s fifth Capacity Remuneration Mechanism (CRM) auction, marks the start of construction on one of the largest utility‑scale storage assets in the Benelux region and is slated for a 15‑year contract beginning November 2027.
Groundbreaking of the Drogenbos Battery Project
The ceremony was attended by Hans Bonte, Minister of Energy for the Government of Flanders, Vincent Verbeke, CEO of ENGIE Belgium, Nicolas van den Abeele, Managing Director Renewables & Batteries Benelux of ENGIE, and Giuseppe Artizzu, CEO of NHOA Energy. ENGIE has contracted NHOA Energy to supply, commission, and provide long‑term service for the BESS, which will comprise 88 battery containers capable of up to four hours of discharge. The storage capacity is equivalent to the average daily electricity consumption of more than 38,000 households.
Infrastructure Details and Operational Role
The Drogenbos BESS will be integrated with ENGIE’s existing power station infrastructure and will operate under a 15‑year capacity remuneration contract starting in November 2027. NHOA Energy will deploy its proprietary NHEXUS and PROPHET control platforms to manage charge‑discharge cycles, support renewable integration, and enhance grid stability. The project follows the ongoing construction of the 400 MWh Kallo BESS, reinforcing the partnership’s focus on large‑scale storage deployment in Europe.
Signal for European Storage Deployment
The Drogenbos breakthrough adds to ENGIE’s stated target of operating 500 MW of battery storage capacity in Belgium by 2030. Vincent Verbeke noted that the Drogenbos and Kallo projects keep the company “well on track” to meet that goal. Giuseppe Artizzu highlighted the addition as a contribution to the resilience of the European interconnected system, positioning storage as a lever for energy security amid the continent’s transition.
Key Takeaways
- Construction of a 320 MWh BESS at ENGIE’s Drogenbos power station began today, with NHOA Energy responsible for supply, commissioning, and long‑term service.
- The project was awarded in Belgium’s fifth Capacity Remuneration Mechanism auction and will operate under a 15‑year contract starting November 2027.
- Once online, the system will deliver up to four hours of discharge, equivalent to the daily electricity use of over 38,000 households, and supports ENGIE’s aim of 500 MW of battery capacity in Belgium by 2030.
EnergyInsyte's Take
The Drogenbos BESS underscores a concrete step toward scaling utility‑scale storage in a market where capacity remuneration mechanisms are driving investment. Executives should monitor the commissioning timeline and the performance of NHOA’s control platforms, as these factors will influence the reliability and economic case for future storage projects in the region.
Source: Businesswire
