Government delegation highlights Belgium's pioneering role and expertise in offshore wind during visit to impressive caisson construction site for Princess Elisabeth Island

• The first of 23 caissons is being finalised, ready to be moved into position 45 km offshore. 
• The large concrete building blocks will form the outer walls of the future energy island.
• The artificial island is a world first and critical to the success of Belgium's energy transition.

Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, Energy Minister Tinne Van der Straeten and State Secretary for Economic Recovery and Strategic Investments Thomas Dermine have visited the site in Vlissingen where caissons are being constructed for Princess Elisabeth Island. A Belgian consortium comprising DEME and Jan De Nul (TM Edison) is building the foundations of the energy island on behalf of system operator Elia Transmission. The first of the 23 caissons is almost finished and will be immersed in the North Sea this summer. The Belgian energy island is a world first and will be the first building block in an integrated European high-voltage offshore grid.