Is Giga storage planning a 300MW project in Belgium?

In September, Giga Storage, a BESS developer based in the Netherlands, announced that it is planning a 300MW/1,200MWh project in Belgium which would be connected directly to the transmission network via existing 380kV high-voltage transmission lines nearby. Read more coverage of the Belgian market on Energy-Storage.news.

Why is Belgium's storage fleet growing so fast?

Belgium’s storage fleet is growing at a fast pace, not the least due to the opportunity to secure contracted revenues via its CRM auctions. On the last day of October, system operator Elia published the results of the CRM auctions held this year, showing that a total of 450 MW of BESS had secured contracts.

Why is Belgium a good place to invest in a battery?

Other factors that make Belgium an appealing location for battery investments are the exemption of TSO grid fees and high revenues from balancing market (mainly FCR and aFRR),” Simon De Clercq, senior research associate at Aurora Energy Research, told ESS News.

How did the energy crisis affect Belgian nuclear power?

“In 2022, the energy crisis led to a partial reversal of the Belgian nuclear phase-out. The lifetimes of the nuclear reactors of Doel 4 and Tihange 3, with a total capacity of 2.1 GW, were extended until 2035. This reduced the need for additional capacity in the Belgian power system.

Who is totalenergies in Belgium?

In Belgium, TotalEnergies is a major player in the entire electricity value chain. As an electricity supplier, the company has a portfolio of 450,000 BtC sites and around 100,000 BtB sites.

How will I4b benefit Belgian households?

Commenting on the project, Andre Autrand, CEO of I4B said: “It addresses fundamental challenges related to the security of the electricity supply, balancing the grid, renewable energy development and decarbonization – all of which will benefit Belgian households as well as the industry and economy in general."