The new support mechanism works in two directions. If electricity prices are very low – if wind turbines have to be shut down because production is very high, for example – the government supports wind farms. But if the price rises above a certain level so as to make an excess profit, then that money automatically goes back to the government.
The new regulation has been established in consultation with the industry, according to the cabinet of Energy Minister Tinne Van der Straeten (Groen).
The regulation does not apply to the four oldest offshore wind farms. The amount of aid they receive is fixed and not linked to market prices. According to the energy regulator CREG, these four wind farms do not make a profit either.
