Belgium to OK 2-GWh wind power storage project in early 2015 - report

Dec 10, 2014 - The Belgian government expects to approve in early 2015 a project to store 2 GWh of wind energy on an island off its coast, developed by Belgian utility Electrabel and dredging group DEME.

A spokeswoman shared the ministry’s expectations with Reuters, saying that talks on the matter with other authorities are currently in progress.

Electrabel, which is a unit of France’s GDF Suez SA (EPA:GSZ), and DEME intend to construct an artificial, ring-shaped island in the North Sea to store wind power for when it is needed. More specifically, excess power will be used for pumping sea water out of a hollow in the middle of the island. In the event of an energy shortfall, the water would be let back in to power turbines, which in turn would produce electricity.

The project will help avoid wasting the produced electricity from wind turbines when there is a surplus. The plan will also support Belgium in its drive to reduce its reliance on nuclear power.

Choose your newsletter by Renewables Now. Join for free!