Belgium's Elia Secures Permit to Build World's First AI-Powered Island

Elia, the Belgian transmission system operator, made a significant announcement confirming that it has obtained the necessary authorization to advance with the development of Princess Elisabeth Island.

World's First AI Island

This groundbreaking project is poised to become the world's inaugural artificial intelligence island. At its core, Interesting Engineering reported that Princess Elisabeth Island comprises a strategically positioned energy center located 45 kilometers off the Belgian coast, approximately 28 miles away.

The primary purpose of this innovative energy hub is to establish a vital connection between Belgium's onshore electricity grid, newly established wind farms, and additional interconnectors originating from the United Kingdom and Denmark.

The pivotal milestone achieved in this endeavor is securing the essential permit, which Elia formally applied for in January 2023. Tinne Van der Straeten, the Federal Minister for Energy in Belgium, emphasized the nation's prominent role in offshore wind energy.

She highlighted Belgium's commitment to expediting the transition to renewable energy by quadrupling offshore wind capacity in the Belgian North Sea, undertaking the construction of an energy island, and establishing fresh interconnections with neighboring North Sea countries.

Furthermore, she highlighted that the forthcoming energy island is poised to emerge as a central offshore wind energy hub, catering to the sustainable energy needs of both households and businesses in the country. Its development is set to transform the North Sea into a thriving source of green energy.

Final Stages

The designated site for the construction of the island's concrete foundations is located within the North Sea Port in Vlissingen, as per the official press release.

Preparations for this ambitious undertaking have already commenced and are being spearheaded by a collaborative effort involving leading Belgian marine construction companies, DEME and Jan De Nul.

Simultaneously, Elia is in the final stages of refining the island's design, which incorporates elements of nature conservation to safeguard marine and terrestrial wildlife inhabiting the island.

The completion of this ambitious undertaking is anticipated to span approximately two years, from March 2024 to August 2026.

Van der Straeten emphasized the importance of considering the marine ecosystem, both above and below the water's surface, in the upcoming construction and installation endeavors.

She commended Elia for its commitment to developing a design that not only safeguards but also potentially revitalizes aquatic life, demonstrating a strong focus on the preservation of our oceans' delicate ecosystems.

Vincent Van Quickenborne, Belgium's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Justice and the North Sea, underscored their strategic vision to elevate the North Sea into Belgium's preeminent energy hub, with Princess Elisabeth Island holding a pivotal role in this endeavor.

The Brussels Times reported that Van Quickenborne referred to the island as the second offshore wind zone and disclosed plans for the initial wind turbines to be operational by 2028, thereby providing a significant additional source of offshore green energy for the nation's populace.

This pioneering project marks a global first, as it will involve the installation of wind turbines within protected marine areas. Moreover, Van Quickenborne expressed appreciation for Elia's unwavering commitment to a design that incorporates nature preservation and safeguards the marine ecosystem.