NHOA Energy and ENGIE marked a major milestone with the groundbreaking of a 400 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) in Kallo, Beveren, Belgium, a project set to play a pivotal role in the country’s energy transition.
The ceremony, attended by Federal Minister of Energy Mathieu Bihet, Beveren Mayor Marc Van de Vijver, ENGIE Belgium CEO Vincent Verbeke, and NHOA Energy Global Managing Director Lucie Kanius-Dujardin, celebrated the official start of construction at the former Kallo power plant site.
The new battery park will be delivered by NHOA Energy to ENGIE under a supply contract and long-term service agreement, leveraging NHOA’s nearly 20 years of expertise in energy storage and European power electronics.
Once operational, the Kallo BESS will supply up to four hours of electricity to more than 48,000 households, ensuring grid stability and supporting Belgium’s growing renewable energy infrastructure.
This project follows ENGIE’s selection in the fourth Capacity Remuneration Mechanism (CRM) auction by Belgian grid operator Elia.
The CRM was established by the government to address anticipated power shortages, particularly as Belgium prepares for a partial phase-out of its nuclear power plants in 2025.
By repurposing the former Kallo power plant — which operated on natural gas and fuel oil until its closure in 2011 — the battery park symbolises both innovation and sustainability.
Vincent Verbeke, CEO of ENGIE Belgium, commented: “It is with great pride that we are launching the construction of this battery park in Kallo today, together with the Minister of Energy, the municipality, and our valuable partners.
“This is ENGIE’s second large-scale park in Belgium, a project that can only be realised through close cooperation with all of them.
“By developing this additional flexible capacity, we are contributing to the optimal use of wind and solar energy and meeting the needs of the electricity grid.”
Lucie Kanius-Dujardin, Global Managing Director of NHOA Energy, added: “We are proud to once again join forces with ENGIE, reinforcing our mutual dedication to expanding battery energy storage solutions across Europe.
“This partnership to support the Belgian grid operator, Elia, underscores the essential role of energy storage in enabling the transition toward a more sustainable and resilient energy system.”
The Kallo BESS stands as a testament to Belgium’s commitment to a secure, flexible, and green energy future.