NHOA Energy has secured contracts from Engie for the supply, commissioning, and long-term service of an 80MW/320MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) at Engie’s Drogenbos power station, located near Brussels, Belgium.
The project represents the third large-scale battery deployment in Engie’s Belgian portfolio, strengthening the strategic partnership between the two companies in the Benelux markets.
The Drogenbos facility will utilise 88 of NHOA’s NHEXUS platform battery containers, incorporating the company’s proprietary energy storage technology.
Construction is scheduled to begin in March 2026, with the system expected to enhance grid stability and facilitate the integration of renewable energy across Belgium’s electricity network.
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Engie’s Drogenbos project secured a 15-year capacity contract through Belgium’s fifth Capacity Remuneration Mechanism (CRM) auction in October 2025, with operations commencing in November 2027.
The CRM framework was established by the Belgian federal government to maintain electricity supply security during winter periods as the country transitions away from conventional generation sources, such as fossil fuels.
The new battery system joins Engie’s expanding Belgian energy storage portfolio, which includes the operational Vilvoorde facility and the under-construction Kallo project. Engie and Sungrow completed the first phase of the 200MW/800MWh Vilvoorde battery energy storage site, with the second phase scheduled for completion in January 2026.
The Kallo project, a 100MW/400MWh installation, broke ground earlier this year following its selection in Belgium’s capacity mechanism auction. NHOA Energy also serves as the technology provider for the Kallo deployment, demonstrating the companies’ continued collaboration across multiple Belgian sites.
Combined, Engie’s three Belgian battery projects represent 380MW of installed capacity and 1.5GWh of total storage capacity.
The facilities are designed to provide essential grid services, including frequency regulation, voltage support and energy arbitrage, while facilitating increased penetration of renewable energy across Belgium’s electricity system.
Tractebel, Engie’s engineering subsidiary, provides technical assistance for the development of the Drogenbos project. The company’s involvement reflects Engie’s integrated approach to battery storage project delivery, combining internal engineering expertise with external technology partnerships.
NHOA Energy’s NHEXUS platform features battery management systems and grid-forming capabilities, specifically designed for utility-scale applications. The technology platform has been deployed across multiple European markets, with the Belgian projects representing an expansion of the company’s regional presence.
Belgium’s energy storage market has experienced rapid growth as the country addresses grid stability challenges associated with the increasing deployment of renewable energy and the planned phase-out of nuclear generation capacity.
Engie submitted permit applications for the 380MW of battery storage capacity across the three sites in early 2023.
The Drogenbos project’s location provides strategic advantages for grid operations, as it is positioned near Brussels, where transmission infrastructure connects to neighbouring European electricity markets.
According to the companies, the positioning enables the battery storage system to provide cross-border balancing services and support regional grid stability initiatives.
Engie’s Belgian battery storage deployment strategy aligns with the European Union’s broader energy transition objectives and the company’s commitment to integrating renewable energy.
The projects contribute to Belgium’s energy security while supporting the country’s decarbonisation targets through enhanced grid flexibility and storage capacity.
Long-term service agreements included in the contracts ensure ongoing performance optimisation and maintenance support throughout the operational lifecycle of the battery systems.
NHOA Energy used to be a subsidiary of Engie, called Engie EPS, but was sold to the Taiwan Cement Corporation (TCC) in 2021. TCC bought out and de-listed the company from the Euronext Paris in November last year.
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