Belgium is constructing the world’s first artificial island to harness offshore wind
In a nutshell: Belgium is constructing a massive artificial island in the North Sea to enhance its renewable energy capabilities. Set to be completed by 2027, the island, dubbed Princess Elisabeth, will integrate an impressive 3.5 gigawatts of offshore wind capacity into the Belgian power grid. That’s enough clean electricity to power over three million homes.
The €650 million ($702 million) project is being funded by the European Investment Bank, which recently finalized a green credit deal with Belgian transmission operator Elia to kick off the first phase. This initiative is a key part of the EU’s ambitious REPowerEU plan to phase out fossil fuels and fully commit to sustainable energy.
The island will be constructed approximately 45 kilometers off the Belgian coast within the Princess Elisabeth wind zone.
In addition to renewable energy generation, the island is designed to serve as an energy trading hub for the entire continent. The plan includes specialized “hybrid interconnector” transmission lines that will link the island with neighboring countries. These hybrid lines will integrate with the wind farms, enabling two-way energy flows.
The island’s foundations will be made of massive concrete caissons currently being constructed in the Netherlands. These structures will be towed out and essentially dropped onto the seabed, then filled with sand to support the artificial landmass and the energy infrastructure on top.
Speaking of the infrastructure, converter stations will be built on the island to accommodate different high-voltage cable systems – both high-voltage direct current (HVDC) and alternating current (HVAC). This unique implementation makes the island the first of its kind; in fact, Elia claims it will be the “world’s first artificial energy island.”
Additionally, the island is designed to actively promote biodiversity and marine life around its perimeter.
Belgium has been working to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels for years, having phased out coal-fired power generation in 2016. Currently, the country’s primary source of electricity is nuclear power, which accounted for over 40 percent of power production in 2023. However, gas – largely imported – still makes up 21 percent of the country’s power mix. The new island is expected to provide a significant boost to Belgium’s aspirations to achieve climate neutrality by 2050.
