Engie is in discussion with companies that supply floating power stations which could be docked along the Belgian coast, De Tijd and L’Echo reported on Saturday. They are trying to reduce the risk of black-outs this winter.
Energy Minister Marie Christine Marghem’s cabinet says it is in permanent contact with various energy suppliers. “We are open to all solutions”, they confirmed.
Engie Electrabel has contacted American company The Power Barge Company, which has 2 power stations in the Dominican Republic and India. The company would need six months to make the stations operational.
The Turkish sector leader, Karadeniz, can transfer a floating power station in the Mediterranean to the North Sea in 20 days. “We are in discussion with 2 energy suppliers and remain in contact with the Belgian energy Minister”, says John Cockin, the vice-president of Karadeniz Europe. He has said the stations could possibly be docked the Antwerp, Zeebruge and Ostende ports. “The only thing is they need to be in calm waters, near a high-tension network, and connected to the natural gas network”.
Unfortunately, this means the power station boats couldn’t be moved to Belgium for several months. It would also take some time to process the required permits.
The Brussels Times
