Foundations for the Princess Elisabeth Energy Island successfully completed

The final foundation element, known as a caisson, was successfully installed 45 kilometres off the Belgian coast in the North Sea as part of TM EDISON's Princess Elisabeth Island project. This marks the completion of the foundation works, a crucial step in expanding offshore wind capacity and enabling future connections with the United Kingdom. The island will support Belgium's transition to low carbon energy sources and bolster its energy independence.

Frédéric Dunon, CEO of Elia Transmission Belgium, emphasized the significance of this achievement, stating that it represents a major step in developing Belgium's offshore energy infrastructure. The project, a collaboration between TM EDISON, DEME, and Elia Transmission Belgium, began in 2024 with the installation of the first caisson. With the completion of the 23 caissons, the foundation structure is now complete and the island is entering a new phase.

Over the coming months, sand will be reclaimed within the caisson structure, and by 2027 and 2028, cable connections to the mainland will be installed. Electrical infrastructure will be installed in 2029, with final completion projected for 2031. The project was completed ahead of schedule, allowing Elia Transmission Belgium to qualify for a €99 million European subsidy, underscoring the importance of European energy independence and cross-border energy exchange.

In line with the project's nature-inclusive design, new oyster reefs were created to support biodiversity on and around the island. Rocks with young oysters were installed around the island in July, protecting it from erosion while also forming the basis for a new oyster reef. Bart Callens, Project Director for the Princess Elisabeth Island at Jan De Nul, highlighted the importance of this design, stating that it integrates nature-positive elements into the construction of complex offshore infrastructure.