Posted on August 24, 2026
Strategic project for energy, the economy and the climate
Belgium needs more low carbon electricity to drive the energy transition, strengthen its energy independence and keep its economy competitive. Offshore wind is an essential building block. To bring this energy efficiently from sea to shore, Elia Transmission Belgium is constructing the Princess Elisabeth Island in the Belgian North Sea. The energy island will connect the second Belgian offshore wind zone and create opportunities for a future energy link with the United Kingdom.
Frédéric Dunon, CEO Elia Transmission Belgium: “Completing the foundation works marks a major step in developing Belgium’s offshore energy infrastructure, which plays a crucial role in the energy transition and in strengthening our energy independence.”
Crucial construction phase successfully completed
The 23 foundation elements together form the protective outer shell of the future energy island. What began in 2024 with a technically challenging construction phase and the installation of the first caisson has now resulted in the completion of the island’s full foundation structure.
The project is now entering a new phase. Over the coming months, we will continue reclaiming the island with sand within the caisson structure. In 2027 and 2028, we will install the cable connections to the mainland. In 2029, the installation of the island’s electrical infrastructure will begin. The final completion of the project is planned for 2031, a timeline that was recently confirmed by law. By then, the energy island will be ready to bring its first electricity ashore.
We made every effort to complete the foundation works within the planned timeframe, enabling Elia to qualify for the €99 million European subsidy allocated to this phase. This European support for a world first project highlights the importance of European energy independence and cross border energy exchange.
Nature-inclusive design
We developed the island’s foundation elements with careful attention to the surrounding environment. In collaboration with marine experts, we created a nature-inclusive design aimed at supporting and enhancing biodiversity on and around the island.
Bart Callens, Project Director for the Princess Elisabeth Island at Jan De Nul
“A key part of the nature‑inclusive design is the creation of new oyster reefs. Through the Reefcovery project, we worked with our partners to grow young oysters on rocks, which we installed around the island at the end of July. A win‑win: the rocks protect the island against erosion and form the basis for a new oyster reef. This installation builds on our expertise in restoring oyster reefs in the North Sea and reinforces our ambition to embed nature‑positive design in our core activities.”
