With a highly coordinated maritime operation, Belgium has begun construction of the world’s first artificial energy island: Princess Elisabeth Island. Located 45 kilometers off the coast, in the middle of the North Sea wind zone, this platform will be a crucial node for connecting offshore wind farms and guarantee the stability of the Belgian electricity system for decades to come.
Technical maneuvering at sea
The technical achievement began on April 21 with the successful placement of the first two caissons out of a total of 23. Each, manufactured in the port of Vlissingen, was towed by a set of specialized vessels over 98 kilometers.
Upon arrival at the destination, they were connected to pre-installed anchors and submerged through a controlled water-filling process. Accurate descent was ensured by real-time topography and tide measurement techniques.
Installation of the first caissons on Princess Elizabeth Island. Source: Elia Transmission Belgium TM Edison
Logistics and security on the energy island
The operation involved more than 150 professionals and a dozen vessels, including tugs, dredgers and installation vessels. Coordinated together with MRCC Ostend and the North Sea Port, the maneuver was carried out under strict safety protocols and carefully monitored weather conditions. Deployment was only authorized if the swell did not exceed 1.5 meters and the wind remained below the 5 Beaufort threshold.
Once the caissons were installed, their contour was reinforced with a rock armor to protect them from summer storms. Sand was then backfilled, a phase prior to the installation of the high-voltage alternating current electrical infrastructure. high voltage alternating current (HVAC) (HVAC). It is planned to first complete the east side of the energy island before moving on to the southern sector, depending on weather conditions.
Key to the energy transition
This project, developed by TM Edison, a partnership between DEME and Jan De Nul and commissioned by Elia Transmission Belgium, is included in the Federal Development Plan approved in 2023. The island will enable the efficient connection of new offshore wind farms and lay the foundation for a future European offshore interconnection.
Although the decision on HVDC direct current contracts is pending, Elia assures that the current phase is progressing in accordance with the legal framework.
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Source and photo: Elia Transmission Belgium TM Edison
