French energy giant TotalEnergies is doubling down on its presence in Belgium. The company unveiled plans for a second battery park in Feluy, while simultaneously announcing significant investments in its Antwerp refinery and exploring carbon capture technologies.
"Our new battery park in Feluy demonstrates our confidence in Belgium's energy future," said Sophie Chevalier, VP of Flexible Power Generation at TotalEnergies. The project, mirroring their recently announced Antwerp battery park, represents a 70 million euro investment. Both sites will offer 25MW of power and 75 MWh of electricity storage, crucial for stabilising Belgium's growing reliance on renewable energy. The Feluy park is targeted to be operational by late 2025.
TotalEnergies' moves are closely aligned with Belgium's ambitious renewable energy goals. Federal Minister of Energy Tinne Van der Straeten emphasised the nation's dedication to an attractive investment climate for battery development. Recent policy changes, like the European Commission's approval of additional support and tax incentives, paved the way for TotalEnergies's expansion.
Beyond electricity storage, TotalEnergies plans to invest 200 million euros in electrifying and improving the energy efficiency of its Antwerp refinery, the company's largest in Europe.
In addition, TotalEnergies is also exploring a "several hundred million" euro investments in carbon capture, transport, and sequestration technologies for its Antwerp location. Additionally, the company sees Belgium as a future "green molecule hub" and intends to be a major player in the hydrogen market. Both initiatives depend on favourable regulations and government support to move forward.
Minister Van der Straeten has committed to implementing the European RED 3 directive before the end of her term, creating a framework for a collaborative, sustainable energy future. However, TotalEnergies expresses concern about being outpaced by less-regulated foreign competitors who benefit from cheaper energy sources.
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