Belgium: SPIE contributes to the development of a battery storage facility in Auvelais to support electricity grid flexibility

INDUSTRY

Anderlecht, 11 June 2026 – SPIE Belgium, the Belgian subsidiary of SPIE, the independent European leader in multi-technical services in the areas of energy and communications, is contributing to the development of an energy storage battery facility in Auvelais (Sambreville) on behalf of Energy Solutions Group (ESG). The project is part of the rollout of key infrastructure designed to support Belgium’s energy transition.

Essential infrastructure for balancing the electricity grid

The Auvelais battery facility will enable electricity (particularly from renewable sources) generated during periods of surplus to be stored and released during peak demand periods. This type of installation supports the transition towards a more flexible energy system capable of integrating a growing share of intermittent energy sources such as solar power.

With a capacity of approximately 304 MWh, the site will be able to inject up to 76 MVA into the high-voltage grid (150 kV) for four hours.

In practical terms, this represents:

  • enough electricity to supply 30,000 to 40,000 households for four hours,
  • or to fully recharge 4,000 to 5,000 electric vehicles.

These so-called “four-hour” systems make it possible to store energy generated during the day and release it in the evening, when demand is at its highest.

SPIE Belgium responsible for high-voltage integration and grid connection

As part of this project, SPIE Belgium is responsible for the electrical integration of the facility, including:

  • realisation of the 150 kV substation,
  • installation and connection of the battery storage systems,
  • and deployment of all the equipment required to inject electricity into the grid.

The facility will comprise 82 Megapack-type battery containers, together with an 82 MVA power transformer.

The project represents approximately 14,000 working hours and will mobilise up to around twenty technicians on site during peak activity, with commissioning scheduled for the end of January 2027.

Proven expertise in energy storage

This project builds on SPIE Belgium’s experience in large-scale energy storage. It also demonstrates the company’s ability to deliver the full technical scope, from high-voltage infrastructure through to the complete integration of battery storage systems.

“Battery storage facilities are set to play a key role in ensuring the stability of the electricity grid. With this project in Auvelais, we are deploying our comprehensive expertise in high-voltage systems and battery storage integration in support of infrastructure that is essential to the energy transition,” says Ulric Bauwens, Head of the High-Voltage Department at SPIE Belgium in Strépy-Bracquenies.

The renewed confidence shown by Energy Solutions Group reflects a recognition of SPIE’s expertise in a rapidly expanding sector.

A project at the heart of today’s energy challenges

 Against a backdrop of increasing electrification and growing renewable energy generation, the need for greater grid flexibility continues to rise. Battery energy storage systems now provide a practical and effective response to these challenges.

Schedule

Civil engineering works have already begun and will continue until summer 2026. Installation and grid connection operations will then be carried out, with contractual commissioning scheduled for the end of January 2027.