A TRADUIRE : Projet de batteries de stockage à Achêne – test 21/04

Initiated in 2022 and developed by WattElse, this project is located within an economic activity zone. The permit application was submitted at the end of 2025. Situated set back from the road to minimize visual and acoustic impact, it is scheduled for construction in 2027. This Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project consists of 22 containers, 4 LV/MV transformers, a high-voltage transformer, PCS (Power Conversion System) modules, and its EMS (Energy Management System). It will be directly connected to the Elia injection substation located approximately 280m away. The project will provide services to both the Elia power grid and the energy market.

The BESS project generates no atmospheric emissions during its operational phase, and its landscape impact remains limited within this industrial context. For reasons of safety, site layout, and compliance with acoustic standards, a 5m fire wall is placed around the transformer, and 2m high concrete slab fencing is positioned near the PCS blocks. Noise levels comply with legal limit values.

Key figures

#Local residents

17.183

The municipality of Ciney has just under 17,200 residents. By joining the Covenant of Mayors, the City of Ciney has committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030.

With several wind turbines already located within its territory, a battery project of this nature can contribute to achieving these goals by making power grids more resilient to the integration of electricity produced from renewable energy sources.

More info: ciney.be

#Batteries and Power

22 containers of 5 MWh max. each

The project occupies a total surface area of 2,800 m².

  • 70kV MV/LV Transformers (Medium Voltage/Low Voltage)

  • Distance to the Elia grid: 280 m

  • 120 MWh – 30 MW

#Grid and Market Balancing

2,000 cycles per year

 

Thanks to its ability to rapidly absorb or inject power by performing nearly 2,000 charge/discharge cycles per year, the battery project will provide essential services to the power grid through its direct connection to Elia:

  • Flexibility and Balancing Services: Instantaneously compensating for fluctuations between production and consumption, including frequency stabilization and local congestion management.

  • Grid Stability Support: Maintaining grid voltage.

  • Energy Arbitrage (Buying energy when prices are low and selling when they are high).

  • Renewable Energy Integration: Smoothing out production peaks and intermittent supply.

Partners of the project

Landowner and Project Stakeholder

SA PAQUET & Cie is an SME providing a range of diverse and complementary services. The company specializes in road freight transport, operating both nationally and internationally.

Primarily active in the agricultural industry (grains, fertilizers, raw materials, livestock feed, etc.), it also serves the construction sector (precast concrete products, supply of concrete and asphalt plants, civil engineering machinery, etc.). Paquet & Cie aims to participate in the project and intends to add charging stations for its future fleet of electric trucks.

| Source: Paquet cie

Environmental Consultancy for the Achêne Project

As a leader in innovation and consulting, Arcadis provides smart solutions and products to address the challenges of climate resilience, energy security, and the diversification of the energy mix, as well as the development of livable cities.

Their expertise spans eco-design, resilient infrastructure, and the transformation of both natural and built environments.

 

| Source: Arcadis NV

Belgian Consultancy Specialized in the Energy Transition Sector

Active in the development of renewable energy production projects, WattElse is currently working on approximately 350 MW of wind power projects across Wallonia and France, as well as photovoltaic projects (approx. 25 MW) and biomass initiatives.

WattElse also provides strategic energy consulting for both the public and private sectors, including heavy industry and SMEs.

Our vision of sustainable development

Innovation

WattElse, an expert in project management and renewable energy, is the lead developer of this innovative storage project. While storage is currently an emerging technology, the company considers it absolutely essential to our energy transition.

WattElse intends to meet three primary objectives:

  1. Maximize the project’s potential
  2. Mitigate wind power intermittency
  3. Support the grid

The Continuous Growth of Renewable Energy Production

| Source: 2022 – Energy in Wallonia

The electricity production mix in Wallonia continues to diversify. Compared to 2021, the key highlights are as follows:

  • Over 10% growth in the number of production facilities: primarily driven by solar PV, wind power, and biomass cogeneration.

  • Nearly 2% increase in electrical capacity: with the total fleet reaching over 9,600 MW.

  • Over 12% decrease in electricity production: including a 22% drop in nuclear and a 36% drop in hydropower.

  • Over 14% decrease in primary energy used for electricity production: mainly linked to the decline in nuclear power.

  • Strong growth in grid-connected battery storage parks (which first appeared in 2021), as well as increased production from pumped-storage hydroelectricity.

Net renewable electricity production in 2023 is estimated at 6,222 GWh, representing 22% of total net electricity production.

Renewable Energy Sources (RES)

A renewable energy source is one that, unlike fossil fuels, regenerates at least as fast as it is consumed. The depletion of fossil resources (oil, gas, coal), the quest for energy independence, and the fight against greenhouse gas emissions make the use of Renewable Energy Sources (RES) increasingly vital.

Net renewable electricity production reached 6,222 GWh in 2023 (+16% vs. 2022, and a 2.3x increase since 2010). This represents 22% of total net production, supported by:

  • Biomass: 21%

  • Hydropower: 6.3% (down from 68% in 2000)

  • Wind Power: 49.2% (production has quadrupled since 2010)

  • Solar Photovoltaic: 26.8% (production has increased 20-fold since 2010)

In 2023, renewable electrical capacity (installed capacity) reached 3,561 MW (+15% vs. 2022) and has grown 3.7x since 2010 (and 12x since 2005). Notably, solar PV grew by 26% compared to 2022, while wind power grew by 4%.

The Necessity of Mitigating Renewable Intermittency through:

  • Storage solutions.

  • The deployment of market tools and incentives to allow for adequate and flexible demand-side management.

  • Optimized production management that meets the balancing needs of the power grid.

Our approach and our commitment

  • WattElse is present at every stage of the project phase and pays attention of the project to local questions and concerns;
  • Project Development which adresses environmental, tecnical and local aspects;
  • Opening up the possibility for citizens to invest in the project