The Princess Elisabeth Island: A Landmark in Renewable Energy Infrastructure
TM Edison, a consortium of Belgian marine construction companies DEME and Jan De Nul, has achieved a significant milestone by installing the first two out of 23 caissons in the Belgian North Sea. This marks the commencement of construction for the Princess Elisabeth Island, touted as the ‘world’s first’ artificial energy island.
Caissons, concrete building blocks that outline the future island, are being used in the initial phase of construction. These structures will later be filled with sand to accommodate high-voltage infrastructure connecting new offshore wind farms.
Technical Complexity of Installation
The transport and installation of the 22,000-ton caissons at sea is a technically intricate operation that commenced on April 21, 2025. Each caisson, measuring 58 meters in length, 28 meters in width, and between 23 and 32 meters in height, is towed from the port of Vlissingen to the island site, covering a distance of approximately 98 kilometers.
Once at the destination, the caisson is connected to anchors and then filled with water to descend to the seabed in a controlled manner. Subsequent construction phases involve placing rock armor for protection, filling with sand, and preparing for the installation of the next caisson.
Strategic Importance of the Project
The Princess Elisabeth Island will play a crucial role in connecting future offshore wind farms in the Belgian North Sea. It represents a significant step towards expanding Belgium’s offshore electricity production and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
The project is of paramount strategic importance and will be instrumental in shaping Belgium’s electricity supply in the years to come. Additionally, it offers opportunities for Belgium to integrate into a unified European electricity grid at sea.
Continued Progress and Challenges
Construction of the island and the implementation of HVAC contracts are progressing without interruption. However, delays in finalizing contracts for HVDC infrastructure have been encountered due to price increases.
Elia, the grid operator overseeing the project, is navigating these challenges within the legal framework while considering market dynamics. Discussions with federal authorities are ongoing to ensure a well-informed decision on the project’s future direction.
The Princess Elisabeth Island stands as a testament to Belgium’s commitment to renewable energy and innovative infrastructure development. As construction progresses, it heralds a new era in offshore energy production and paves the way for a sustainable energy future.