Royerssluis Antwerp

Emission-free energy security for one of Belgium's largest hydraulic engineering projects

At the Royers lock in the Port of Antwerp, CIT Blaton, Artes Group, Boskalis and Stadsbader are working on the complete modernization of the lock complex, a key project within the Oosterweel connection.
The outdated 1907 barge lock is making way for a new lock 230 m long and 36 m wide, suitable for four-barge pushing, higher capacity and smoother flow.

At this large-scale hydro site, Neargrid provides energy security.

Two Boost 120 battery systems provide peak power for five Liebherr tower cranes and all supporting yard equipment, completely silent, emission-free and highly reliable.

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The challenge

The construction site counts:

- 5 Liebherr tower cranes

- Multiple energy-intensive plants

- Continuous peak capacities that far exceed the limited grid connection

The existing grid capacity was not sufficient to safely handle this high and variable load.

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A classic solution with multiple diesel generators would:

- cause a lot of noise,

- generate significant CO₂ and NOx emissions,

- entail high fuel and maintenance costs,

... while CIT Blaton just made a strong commitment to sustainable, efficient and forward-looking energy use.

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The goal

The project team sought an energy solution that:

- provides stable power for all tower cranes,

- CO₂ emissions and fuel consumption is drastically minimized,

- provides operational security under varying loads and low grid capacity,

- flexibly switches between high peak power and quiet periods,

AND quiet works, crucial on a water construction site close to the city.

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The solution

Neargrid implemented two Boost 120 systems that, together with a small low-power generator, form an intelligent hybrid microgrid.

--> The generator provides a limited continuous supply

--> Boosts deliver all peak power up to hundreds of kVA, fully autonomous

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Battery stabilizes voltage and grid quality during heavy lifting operations

At low loads, the Boosts operate entirely electrically, minimizing fuel consumption and noise

Through the Neargrid portal, there is real-time monitoring & automatic power control

This makes it possible to continuously and safely power all five tower cranes as well as supporting installations without heavy grid reinforcement or multiple diesel sets.

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The result

The hybrid Boost setup delivers a quiet, powerful and scalable power supply perfectly suited to a complex water construction site.

- Full energy security for 5 tower cranes

- Up to 80-90% less fuel consumption

- Very strong CO₂ reduction & zero-emission operation during low load operation

- No noise, no soot, no odor pollution

- Lower total cost of operation due to fewer generator hours and less maintenance

- Microgrid stability that prevents downtime or shutdown of taps

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The project at Royers Lock will thus become a leading example of sustainable water construction, where power, efficiency and emission-free technology go hand in hand.

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