Princess Elisabeth Island Reaches Key Construction Milestone for 2025

Major Step Forward for World's First Energy Island

The construction of the Princess Elisabeth Island, recognized as the world's first artificial energy island, has achieved a significant milestone with the installation of the last concrete structure for 2025. This completion, which occurred in mid-September, signifies the conclusion of this year's offshore operations for the ambitious project located 45 kilometers off the Belgian coast in the North Sea.

The massive concrete structures, known as caissons, form the outer walls of the future island. Each caisson can weigh up to 22,000 tonnes and is crucial for the island's structural integrity. The offshore campaign for 2025 involved a dedicated team of over 300 people and a fleet of 15 specialized vessels, including crane ships, supply vessels, and tugboats. Preparations are now underway for the next phase, with offshore activities scheduled to resume in the spring of 2026, weather permitting.

A Hub for Renewable Energy

Developed by Elia Group, the Belgian electricity transmission system operator, the Princess Elisabeth Island is designed to be a central hub for renewable energy. Its primary function is to bundle together the cables from offshore wind farms in Belgium's Princess Elisabeth Zone, which will have a capacity of up to 3.5 GW, and transmit the generated electricity back to the mainland.

Beyond connecting domestic wind farms, the island will also serve as an intermediate landing point for international interconnectors, linking Belgium's grid with other European countries such as the United Kingdom (via the Nautilus link) and Denmark (via the TritonLink). This dual role is expected to enhance Europe's energy independence, facilitate security of supply, and contribute to the continent's goal of becoming climate-neutral.

Construction and Environmental Considerations

The construction of the island, which began in 2024, is being carried out by TM Edison, a consortium comprising DEME and Jan De Nul Group. The island will span an area of approximately 6 hectares above the waterline. The caissons are constructed in Vlissingen, Netherlands, and then transported to the offshore site.

The project incorporates a 'nature-inclusive design' approach, aiming to have a positive impact on biodiversity and encourage marine life. This includes features such as ledges for nesting seagulls, structures for oyster beds, and artificial reefs. The overall construction of the island is anticipated to be completed by mid-2026, with the electrical infrastructure expected to be fully operational and connected to the onshore grid by 2030.

Investment and Future Impact

The Princess Elisabeth Island project represents a substantial investment in Europe's green energy future. The construction of the island alone is estimated at around €450 million, with a total project investment potentially reaching €2 billion or even €3.6 billion according to various estimates. The European Investment Bank (EIB) has provided a €650 million green credit facility to support the project.

This groundbreaking initiative is a cornerstone of Belgium's commitment to increasing offshore wind capacity and meeting national and European climate ambitions, including the EU's target of reaching 300 GW of offshore wind energy capacity by 2050. By integrating significant new offshore wind capacity, the Princess Elisabeth Island is set to play a vital role in reducing reliance on fossil fuels and providing more affordable, green electricity across the region.