DEME and Jan De Nul Group to Build World’s First Artificial Energy Island in Belgian North Sea DEME and Jan De Nul Group, in partnership, have been awarded the contract to construct the world’s inaugural artificial energy island in the Belgian North Sea.
This significant project, commissioned by transmission system operator Elia, represents a major step towards a sustainable energy future. The Belgian Consortium TM Edisnon, comprised of DEME and Jan De Nul, secured the tender for this groundbreaking endeavour. Construction of Princess Elisabeth Island’s foundations is currently underway, with the completion of the first of 23 concrete caissons. These caissons will provide the base for the offshore island, with the process expected to take two and a half years. Following this, the installation of high-voltage infrastructure will commence, facilitating the transmission of electricity from Belgium’s future offshore wind zone to the mainland.
Princess Elisabeth Island is not just an energy infrastructure project; it represents progress towards an interconnected European offshore electricity grid. This grid will link various hubs and nations, promoting collaboration and resource-sharing. Belgium's strategic vision includes plans to establish joint interconnections with Great Britain and Denmark, unlocking access to renewable energy reserves and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
DEME has announced that Princess Elisabeth Island will be the world’s pioneering artificial energy island, integrating both direct current (HVDC) and alternating current (HVAC) technologies. This innovative infrastructure will consolidate the wind farm export cables of the Princess Elisabeth zone while functioning as a central hub for future interconnectors with Great Britain (Nautilus) and Denmark (TritonLink). These hybrid interconnectors offer dual functionality, enhancing efficiency by facilitating electricity exchange between nations and connecting with expansive offshore wind farms in the North Sea.
Elia Group CEO Chris Peeters emphasized the significance of Princess Elisabeth Island, stating that it will become the first offshore energy hub upon integration with other countries. This follows Elia Group's prior achievement in constructing the first hybrid interconnector in the Baltic Sea, reaffirming their position at the forefront of innovative energy solutions.
Funding for the energy island has been secured from the European Covid Recovery Fund, with the Belgian government granting approximately €100 million to support its development.
DEME remains committed to pioneering sustainable solutions and driving the transition towards renewable energy.
Article Sourced: https://www.offshore-mag.com/renewable-energy/article/14290476/construction-of-worlds-first-energy-island-starts-in-2024
