Brugge BESS

Brugge’s 200MW/800MWh battery park, located at the Boudewijnkanaal canal, will store
local and offshore wind energy and strengthen grid stability across West-Flanders.

MVA Energy Project

Brugge BESS

The Brugge battery park, with a capacity of 200 MW / 800 MWh, will become a key asset in supporting West-Flanders’ growing renewable energy production.

The facility will capture excess electricity generated by local and offshore wind turbines, ensuring the system that green power is available precisely when the grid needs it most.

Beyond preventing renewable generation from going unused, the Brugge BESS will provide valuable flexibility to the regional electricity network. Its rapid response capabilities will help smooth fluctuations in renewable output, reduce pressure on the grid, and improve overall system reliability.

As Belgium continues its transition toward cleaner energy, the Brugge battery park will play a crucial role in delivering a more stable, efficient, and future-proof power supply.

Capacity

200MW/800MWh

Battery Technology

LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate)

Connection

Gezelle 380kV

Status

Grid connection received, permitting application in progress

Questions & Answers

What do we mean by the 'Bruges Battery Park' project?
A battery park is being built on the site of Pathoekeweg 134 in the Zeebrugge port area. The battery park will have a planned capacity of 200 MW and will be connected to the Elia 380 kV grid. The park stores electricity when there is a surplus and returns it when there is a shortage. In this way, it helps to balance the Belgian electricity grid in a CO2-neutral way, especially in the coastal region where a lot of offshore wind energy is connected.
Why was this location chosen for the battery park?
The site is located in an industrial port area that is suitable for utilities and energy infrastructure. It is close to an Elia substation, there is sufficient capacity on the grid, and existing infrastructure such as high-voltage lines, roads and the canal minimises the visual impact of the park. The site also offers sufficient space to realize the project with minimal impact on the environment.
Will the battery park be expanded in the future?
No, expansion is not possible due to the limited surface area of the terrain.
Is there a danger to nearby buildings in the event of a fire?
No, the battery containers are fireproof. They contain sensors and fire-resistant materials, switch off automatically in the event of overheating and are placed spacious enough to prevent the spread of fire. The site is accessible to the fire brigade via two entrances, with several hydrants available.
Does the battery park produce noise?
Yes, like many industrial installations, BESS sites do produce noise. This noise mainly comes from two sources: the high-voltage transformer, which can emit a humming sound, and the fans inside the battery containers, which are needed to cool the equipment. Additionally, the inverters also generate some noise, though to a lesser extent. Even in the worst-case scenario, with no other background noise and the system running at full load, the battery park produces only a barely noticeable rise in ambient noise.
Are measures being taken against noise?
Yes, several mitigating measures are being taken to limit potential noise disturbance:

• The batteries will be placed in enclosed cabinets.
• The installation is designed to comply with the strictest standards of Flemish environmental legislation, ensuring no disturbance to the environment.

Will the park cause additional electromagnetic radiation?
No, the park operates on low voltage and meets all standards for electromagnetic radiation. Only the new underground high-voltage cable from the park to the Elia substation transports high voltage, which is immediately reduced upon arrival.
What advantages does the park have for the city and region?
A battery connected to the local grid enables the use of more locally generated green energy. By storing energy temporarily and releasing it when needed, a battery also helps relieve grid congestion. During periods of overload, the batteries can quickly supply large amounts of energy to the surrounding area, adding extra flexibility. Finally, a battery increases the reliability of the electricity grid and improves voltage stability—both essential for a robust and sustainable energy supply. This electrical stabilisation will become increasingly important as the amount of locally connected solar and wind generation increases further, ensure the quality of power in the local area is maintained.
Does the park contribute to Bruges' climate policy?
Yes, the park reduces dependence on fossil fuels and supports CO2-neutral electricity supply, contributing to the climate goals of Flanders, Belgium and Europe.

Contacts

For more
information

Talk to us: