Belgium’s Energy Minister, Tinne Van der Straeten, has officially announced the launch of the tender process for constructing a groundbreaking 700 MW offshore wind farm in the Princess Elisabeth zone of the Belgian North Sea.

This initiative kicks off an international competition in a sector where Belgium has been a trailblazer since 2008, when it began building its first offshore wind farms. Developers will have nine months to submit their proposals. The selection process will prioritize cost-competitiveness while incorporating innovative criteria like citizen participation and sustainability.

The project aligns with Belgium’s ambitious goal of tripling its offshore wind capacity by 2030, reflecting commitments made during COP28. Two additional wind farm plots in the Princess Elisabeth zone, each with a capacity of 1,400 MW, will also be tendered.

A boost for green energy and sustainability

Belgium plans to achieve a total offshore wind capacity of 5.8 GW by 2030, generating enough green electricity to meet the energy needs of all Belgian households. This development is expected to enhance energy security and significantly reduce CO? emissions, marking a critical step in Belgium's energy transition.

Financial support through stability mechanisms

The new wind farms will benefit from a 20-year contract for difference (CfD) support mechanism, ensuring financial stability for developers. This system offers compensation if electricity prices fall below a set threshold while preventing excessive profits during price surges. On September 13, the European Commission approved the CfD framework as part of Belgium's state aid strategy.

Minister Van der Straeten emphasized the project’s significance, stating: "This flagship project demonstrates our commitment to accelerate the energy transition while strengthening Belgium's energy security. It allows us to take control of our energy future and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. By making citizen participation and sustainability key selection criteria, the Princess Elisabeth zone is laying the foundations for an energy future that is firmly focused on citizens."

The 700 MW wind farm is scheduled to be operational by the end of 2028.