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World's first Energy Island project underway: Key contracts awarded to leading consortiums

By: Chloe Emanuel 20/06/2024 DEME Group, Jan De Nul, Smulders

Cables General

In a groundbreaking development for renewable energy, several major contracts have been awarded to leading consortiums and companies for the construction of the world’s first artificial energy island, Princess Elisabeth Island, located off the Belgian coast. This pioneering project, spearheaded by the Belgian transmission system operator Elia, aims to become a cornerstone of Europe's high-voltage offshore electricity grid.

Dutch-Belgian consortium to build high voltage AC substations

A significant milestone was achieved when the HSI Joint Venture, a Dutch-Belgian consortium comprising HSM Offshore Energy, Smulders, and Iv, secured the contract for the Modular Offshore Grid 2 (MOG2). This consortium will undertake the comprehensive EPCIC (Engineering, Procurement, Construction, Installation, and Commissioning) of four high voltage AC substations for the energy island. These substations, with capacities of 1050 MW and 700 MW respectively, will form the backbone of the island's electrical infrastructure.

Engineering work will be conducted at Iv's office in Papendrecht, with Smulders handling prefabrication in Belgium and HSM using its Schiedam facilities for final assembly. Construction is set to begin in May 2025, with installation planned for 2027, and completion by Q1 2029. This project is not only pivotal for Belgium's renewable energy goals but also aims to support biodiversity around the island.

DEME and Hellenic Cables to supply and install high voltage subsea cables

DEME, in collaboration with Hellenic Cables, has been awarded a crucial contract to supply and install 165 km of three 220 kV high-voltage subsea cables, connecting Princess Elisabeth Island with Belgium's onshore grid. This project underscores DEME’s leading position in the subsea power cable market and builds on their previous successful projects, such as the Dogger Bank Wind Farm and Elia’s Modular Offshore Grid (MOG 1).

The subsea cables will be produced at Hellenic Cables' factory in Greece and installed using DEME’s advanced cable installation vessels. The installation is scheduled for 2027, marking a significant step towards establishing a European offshore electricity grid.

Jan De Nul and LS Cable to supply and install additional high voltage cables

Adding to the momentum, Jan De Nul Group, in partnership with LS Cable & System, has secured a contract to supply, install, and test three 220 kV alternating current subsea cables. These cables will transmit renewable energy from the island to the mainland, further bolstering the island’s role as an electricity hub. The cables, with a combined length of 165 km, will be designed and manufactured in South Korea by LS Cable, with Jan De Nul Group handling transportation, installation, and protection.

The installation of these cables is planned for 2028, continuing the successful collaboration between Jan De Nul and LS Cable. This project is expected to power approximately 3.5 million Belgian households, marking a significant stride towards sustainable energy.

Conclusion

The Princess Elisabeth Island project represents a monumental step in the transition to renewable energy, with several key contracts awarded to prominent industry players. The combined efforts of HSI Joint Venture, DEME, Hellenic Cables, Jan De Nul Group, and LS Cable & System will ensure the successful construction and operation of this world-first artificial energy island. Set to be completed by 2030, the island will play a crucial role in Europe’s offshore electricity grid, connecting various offshore wind farms and serving as a hub for future interconnectors with neighbouring countries.

To access more information on subsea cables for offshore wind and interconnector projects, as well as transmission intelligence, click here.

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World's first Energy Island project underway: Key contracts awarded to leading consortiums

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