Battery Energy Storage System - Green Turtle

The Challenge

GIGA Storage sought to deploy the largest Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Europe—an expansive “Green Turtle” park adjacent to its Vilvoorde CCGT plant in Limburg. The project addresses critical energy-transitions goals by enabling large-scale storage of variable renewable energy (wind/solar), stabilizing the grid during peak and off-peak periods, and reducing reliance on fossil fuel backup generation. The challenge was to design and construct a utility-scale facility with exceptional capacity and resilience, while ensuring grid compatibility and regulatory compliance across international borders.

The Solution

Tasked as Owner’s Engineer, Tractebel has led the project from concept through execution. The team finalized the basic design in 2025 and continues to supervise construction (WP, civil works, electrical, safety). They coordinated with construction partners (Stadsbader–Sweco JV), aligning multidisciplinary input—from battery integration and grid connection to civil, fire protection, and HV systems—while ensuring safety and performance standards.

The Impact

Once completed, the Green Turtle facility will deliver up to 700 MW and approximately 2,800 MWh of storage capacity—enough to power the average daily consumption of ~385,000 households—making it Europe’s largest BESS. By enabling frequency regulation, peak shifting, renewables integration, grid congestion relief, and rapid response reserve, the project will significantly boost energy security, price stability, and decarbonization in Belgium and the wider region.