Wärtsilä, smart technologies’ global leader, is going all in and then some. They have formally begun construction of the 250 MW Gramme 1 battery energy storage facility in central-eastern Belgium. Gramme Storage 1 is intended to help improve the stability of the grid. More importantly, it hands-on assists Belgium’s continued ambitions to be a leader in the energy transition.
The facility is expected to include a 50 megawatt capacity and 100 megawatt-hours of storage. It provides valuable grid services, including frequency support and voltage control. It will be deeply involved in Belgium’s Capacity Remuneration Mechanism (CRM). This new government framework is meant to ensure an affordable, reliable, secure electricity supply across the entire country.
Production of Gramme 1 began soon after the order was placed in Q2 of 2025. We hope to have the entire buildout under construction around the same time in 2027. The project will deploy Wärtsilä’s GridSolve Quantum2 microgrid system. This system, known for its high efficiency and cycle life, reliability, and safety, has been deployed on numerous energy storage applications.
Wärtsilä has signed an engineered equipment delivery contract for this project, with strict performance requirements for each component. We hope to see you there! The company will provide a multi-year service agreement that guarantees Gramme 1 assets perform at their best.
Guillaume Poncelet, a spokesperson for Gramme Storage 1, conveyed the importance of this initiative beautifully when he said,
“This project with Wärtsilä underscores our commitment to dependable, flexible energy in Belgium.”
Wärtsilä’s participation is emblematic of an industry alliance to ensure Belgian energy security. “I can’t overstate the significance of this project,” said David Hebert, Wärtsilä’s U.S.
“This project in partnership with Gramme Storage 1 reflects our shared focus on supporting Belgium’s energy security and grid stability during the transition to a more renewable power system. Wärtsilä’s advanced technology will enable the site to provide critical ancillary services that support a resilient, future-ready grid.”
The new Gramme 1 facility highlights the increasing importance of battery energy storage to improve the resilience of Belgium’s electricity system. The country is moving in the direction of a better, cleaner energy future. Advanced projects, including Gramme 1, are essential for incorporating more renewable energy sources onto our grid and maintaining reliability.