World’s first artificial energy island to be constructed in the North Sea

The construction contract for the world’s first artificial energy island was recently awarded to a Belgian consortium.

Princess Elisabeth island will be installed 45 km offshore Belgium and its construction is set to begin early in 2024 and last 2.5 years.

As for the construction process, the island’s contours will be formed by caissons, planned to be built and installed during 2024 and 2025. Then, the caisson contour will be filled with sand by means of dredging vessels. Vessels will also be used for the installation of the island’s toe and scour protection, which will consist of large amounts of rock. The aforementioned procedures will be completed in stages and when the island has been filled, the sand will be compacted and a harbor will be formed.

Finally, finishing works will take place and the Princess Elisabeth island will be ready for electrical installation works.

The island will occupy an area of 6 hectares and will be used to connect the wind farms from the sea to land as well as serve as a hub for future power interconnections between Belgium, Great Britain and Denmark.

The island’s construction is expected to finish in August 2026.