Europe has set itself the goal of moving away from dependence on fossil fuels and using other types of energy sources. They are currently developing several such projects, and one of them is the construction of a unique artificial island in Belgium, which will be tasked with producing 3.5 GW of clean energy.
An artificial island to generate clean energy
Elia Transmission Belgium (ETB) has signed an agreement with the European Investment Bank (EIB), with the aim of starting the construction of an artificial island named Princess Elizabeth. The location will be approximately 45 km off the coast, in the middle of the wind zone Its function will be to contribute 3.5 GW to the Belgian electricity grid
This will benefit more than 3 million homes, and there will be underwater links for energy exchange with the UK and other countries. It will also function as a biogenic reef, creating a new ecosystem that will provide exclusive housing for various marine species.
A project from Belgium that will reach several countries
The exclusive Belgian artificial floating platform called Princess Elizabeth It will be the first of its kind in the worldas it is destined to contribute 3.5 GW to that country’s electricity system, which will be created from the power of the wind. It will also be the hub for clean underwater energy connections with neighboring countries.
The energy platform will be located 45 km from the coast, its construction will be carried out by the company Elia Transmission Belgium (ETB) and will be carried out between 2024 and 2027. In this way, the second offshore wind zone that will be constructed will be well used by Belgium, which will be essential for the continent’s energy security.
This project is a technological innovation that includes a series of high-voltage direct current (HVDC) and alternating current (HVAC) installations and hybrid interconnectors. The latter makes it possible to fulfill a double function: on the one hand, it facilitates the exchange of energy with nearby countries.
And on the other hand, a connection is being made with the enormous wind farms that exist in the North Sea, in order to fully supply Belgium. In this way, a total of 3.5 GW of ecological origin is added to the national electricity network, which can be used by more than 3 million households.
With all this wind energy, this country will undoubtedly end its dependence on fossil fuels and on exporting countries. This project is a very important step in achieving the objectives that the EU has set itself Europe the first green and emission-free continent.
The energy platform will also be ecological
Construction of the artificial island has already started with the manufacture of the caissons for the foundation, which will be covered with a special surface that will serve to integrate crustaceans, algae and other life forms. To this other elements will be added with oyster larvae to form a biogenic reef.
This will promote the development of ecosystems for smaller fish, and planks will be placed on the retaining wall as artificial habitats for the breeding of the kittiwake. This island will not only produce energy, but also become an exclusive home for the marine fauna of the area.
In conclusion, the Belgian country has started the construction of Princess Elizabeth Island, which will contribute 3.5 MG to its electricity system that will reach more than 3 million homes, and which will allow the exchange of energy with other countries. The structure will also be ecological and serve as an exclusive accommodation for the marine fauna of that region, the first of its kind in all of Europe.