sustainability

The article discusses the approval and development of the world's first artificial energy island, Princess Elisabeth Island, aimed at connecting offshore wind farms to the Belgian mainland and potentially the UK and Denmark in the future. Managed by Belgian operator Elia, the project marks a significant stride towards sustainable energy, with construction set from March 2024 to August 2026. Situated in the North Sea, the island will be part of a larger 3.5 GW offshore wind farm, transmitting power via undersea cables, and utilizing both HVDC and HVAC technologies. This initiative aligns with the EU's vision of installing 300 GW of offshore wind turbines by 2050, showcasing the potential of offshore wind farms in contributing to Europe's energy grid without impacting residents. The island is expected to be operational by 2030, edging closer to a future powered by 100% renewable energy, setting a precedent for similar projects globally.