ENGIE and NHOA Energy Launch Construction of 320MWh Drogenbos Battery Storage Project in Belgium
NHOA Energy, a global provider of utility-scale energy storage systems, joined ENGIE in celebrating a major milestone for Belgium’s energy transition with the official groundbreaking ceremony of a new 320MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at ENGIE’s Drogenbos power station near Brussels.
The ceremony marked the formal start of construction for one of Belgium’s most significant battery storage projects and highlighted the growing importance of large-scale energy storage in supporting Europe’s evolving electricity network. The event brought together senior government representatives and executives from both companies, emphasizing the strategic importance of the development for Belgium’s future energy security and grid stability.
Among those present at the ceremony were Hans Bonte, Minister of Energy of 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. Their participation underscored the project’s role in strengthening Belgium’s clean energy infrastructure and accelerating the deployment of renewable energy technologies across the region.
The Drogenbos BESS project represents ENGIE’s third large-scale battery installation in Belgium and forms part of the company’s broader strategy to expand flexible energy infrastructure. As renewable energy sources such as wind and solar continue to grow across Europe, battery storage systems are becoming increasingly essential for balancing electricity supply and demand, maintaining grid reliability, and ensuring stable power delivery during periods of fluctuating renewable generation.
The project was awarded under Belgium’s fifth Capacity Remuneration Mechanism (CRM) auction, a national framework designed to ensure long-term electricity supply adequacy and system reliability. Through this mechanism, the Drogenbos battery facility will contribute to the resilience of Belgium’s power system under a 15-year contract beginning in November 2027.
Under the agreement, ENGIE selected NHOA Energy to provide the complete battery energy storage solution, including supply, commissioning, and long-term maintenance services. The collaboration further strengthens the strategic partnership between the two companies, which have already been working together on other large-scale storage initiatives in Europe.
Once operational, the Drogenbos facility will play a central role in supporting the integration of renewable energy into Belgium’s electricity network. Renewable energy generation can vary depending on weather conditions and time of day, creating challenges for grid operators that must continuously maintain a balance between electricity production and consumption. Battery storage systems help address this challenge by storing excess electricity when renewable generation is high and releasing it back into the grid when demand rises or renewable output falls.
The 320MWh installation at Drogenbos will utilize NHOA Energy’s proprietary NHEXUS and PROPHET energy management and control platforms. These advanced technologies are designed to optimize battery performance, improve operational efficiency, and support real-time grid balancing functions. By leveraging intelligent control systems, the project aims to enhance the flexibility and stability of Belgium’s interconnected electricity network.
The storage system itself will include 88 battery containers capable of delivering up to four hours of continuous discharge. At full operation, the facility will store and supply enough electricity to match the average daily consumption of more than 38,000 households. This capacity highlights the scale of the project and its importance in strengthening Belgium’s energy infrastructure as the country transitions toward lower-carbon electricity generation.
The Drogenbos development also builds on the existing cooperation between ENGIE and NHOA Energy. The companies are currently collaborating on the construction of the 400MWh Kallo BESS project, another major energy storage initiative in Belgium. Together, the projects demonstrate the growing momentum behind utility-scale battery deployment across Europe as governments and energy companies seek solutions to support decarbonization goals and energy independence.
Battery energy storage has become a critical component of Europe’s energy transition strategy. As countries work to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and increase renewable generation capacity, the need for flexible infrastructure capable of stabilizing the grid has intensified. Large-scale batteries can respond rapidly to fluctuations in electricity demand and supply, helping avoid blackouts, reducing grid congestion, and improving overall system resilience.
For Belgium specifically, the expansion of battery storage capacity is increasingly important as the country modernizes its energy mix and prepares for future electricity demand growth. Projects like Drogenbos are expected to support the integration of offshore wind generation, solar installations, and other renewable energy sources while contributing to long-term energy security.
ENGIE has positioned flexible energy generation and storage as one of the core pillars of its strategy in Belgium. The company has established an ambitious target of operating 500MW of battery storage capacity in the country by 2030. The Drogenbos and Kallo projects are considered major steps toward reaching that objective.
Vincent Verbeke, CEO of ENGIE Belgium, emphasized the strategic role of battery storage in the energy transition. He stated that flexible energy generation and storage are essential for enabling a successful shift toward a low-carbon electricity system. According to Verbeke, ENGIE’s investments in projects such as Drogenbos and Kallo demonstrate that the company is making strong progress toward its long-term battery storage ambitions in Belgium.
NHOA Energy CEO Giuseppe Artizzu also highlighted the significance of the collaboration and the broader implications for Europe’s energy future. He noted that the start of construction at Drogenbos reinforces the resilience of the interconnected European electricity system during a period when energy security and decarbonization have become increasingly interconnected priorities.
Artizzu added that accelerating the deployment of energy storage infrastructure is not only critical for advancing the energy transition but also serves as a strategic lever for improving Europe’s energy independence and resilience. He emphasized that NHOA Energy is proud to continue strengthening its partnership with ENGIE as both companies work to expand battery storage deployment across the continent.
The Drogenbos BESS project reflects a wider transformation taking place across Europe’s energy sector, where utility-scale battery storage is rapidly emerging as a key enabler of clean energy adoption. With governments introducing supportive policies and energy companies increasing investments in storage technologies, battery projects are expected to play an even greater role in maintaining reliable electricity systems in the years ahead.
As construction begins at the Drogenbos site, the project stands as another major step toward a more flexible, sustainable, and resilient European power grid. Once completed, the facility will not only support Belgium’s renewable energy ambitions but also contribute to broader regional efforts to modernize electricity infrastructure and strengthen long-term energy security.
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