First Power

First power export via Princess Elisabeth Island (MOG II) is projected for 2031, based on developer and engineering partner statements. Iv-Offshore and Energy, a member of the HSI Joint Venture responsible for engineering the four HVAC substations on the energy island, states in its project article "Pioneering the World's First Energy Island": "Elia aims to have the Princess Elisabeth Island operational by 2031." This represents the target date for the energy island to become operational as an offshore electricity hub, enabling initial power transfer from connected offshore wind farms in the Princess Elisabeth Zone to the Belgian onshore grid via 220 kV HVAC export cables. The 2031 first power date is consistent with the broader project timeline: HVAC substation commissioning targeted for 2030, cable installation campaigns in 2027-2028, and Elia's stated ambition for the island to be ready to welcome the first offshore parks around 2030-2031. This first power milestone relates specifically to the HVAC scope of the project (approximately 60% of the Princess Elisabeth Zone capacity); the HVDC components enabling full 3.5 GW capacity have been paused and are expected to follow on a later timeline, with full-power commercial operations projected around 2033.