Belgium: SPIE to deliver electrotechnical infrastructure for two large-scale battery farms developed by HybriX Energy

Anderlecht, 31 August 2026 - SPIE Belgium, the Belgian subsidiary of SPIE, the independent European leader in multi-technical services in the areas of energy and communications, has signed a Balance of Plant (BoP) contract with the Belgian developer HybriX Energy to build the Volta battery farm in Geel-Heze and the Franklin battery farm in Massenhoven. SPIE Belgium will oversee the entire electrotechnical infrastructure of the two BESS (Battery Energy Storage Systems) projects - from engineering and high-voltage connection through to commissioning. Combined, the two battery systems will provide storage capacity of 300 MWh. On average, the latter represents daily electricity consumption for around 30,000 Belgian households.

Two large-scale storage projects to support a more flexible electricity grid

Volta and Franklin will be connected to Elia's 150 kV transmission network. Each battery farm will have a storage capacity totalling close to 150 MWh. Together, these facilities will supply up to 70 MW over a four-hour period. They will help to better balance generation and consumption, facilitate the integration of renewable energy and strengthen the stability of the Belgian electricity grid.

Both battery energy storage systems will include 30 battery containers. Work began in 2026 and commercial commissioning is scheduled for 2027. The BESS' names pay tribute to Alessandro Volta and Benjamin Franklin - two pioneers who formed the insights and expertise behind electricity and batteries.

"With the launch of Volta and Franklin, we are developing infrastructure that makes renewable electricity available when the grid and society need it most. SPIE was involved in the earlier phases of this undertaking -assisting us in transforming technical concepts and budgets into a feasible project. From initial studies through to commissioning, this service continuity makes SPIE a fully fledged partner", commented Kevin Lammertyn, Co-founder and CEO, HybriX Energy.

Supporting HybriX Energy in every step - from engineering to commissioning

As part of the BoP contract, SPIE Belgium manages all the studies and works, except for the actual battery storage system. The entity is tasked with:

• further engineering and comprehensive design of the electrical and technical installation;
• the supply and integration of high-voltage transformers, as well as the connection to the 150 kV grid;
• the entire electrical Balance of Plant, including medium- and high-voltage infrastructure;
• the integration of the control and monitoring system;
• testing, commissioning and support during the operational phase.

"Large-scale battery storage requires the highest standards of safety, availability and coordination across multiple technical disciplines. SPIE operates as a single partner, controlling the entire electrotechnical ecosystem, while managing interfaces with the battery storage system, Elia and other engaged partners. This approach reduces execution risk, laying the groundwork for two decades of reliable operations", said Stijn Heyselberghs, Co-founder and CDO, HybriX Energy.

A cross-border 'One SPIE' project

SPIE is leveraging the expertise of several entities for both projects. Industry North's Belgian teams are responsible for performing engineering studies and completing the works. Based in Geel, the Building Solutions Services North entity will handle maintenance. SPIE Nederland will supply the SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system, including the software and the system for monitoring and controlling the battery farms.

SPIE and HybriX Energy have also signed a maintenance contract that may extend over a period of twenty years. As a result, post-commissioning, SPIE will continue its active involvement to ensure readily accessible and high performing electrotechnical facilities.

The One SPIE approach combines complementary, Group-wide capabilities, regardless of business unit or location. This delivers a seamless, coordinated approach at every stage of the project.

"This partnership precisely illustrates how One SPIE enables us to support complex energy projects - from start to finish", remarked Steven Van Craen, Department Manager, SPIE Belgium. "We have been involved since the design phase, we ordered the critical high-voltage components in good time, and we are now responsible for the implementation as well as long-term support. Our open partnership with HybriX Energy creates one unified project team - extending beyond a traditional supplier-client relationship".