This year 57 new wind turbines were built in Flanders, good for an increase in capacity of 206 Megawatt. This is reported by the Flemish Wind Energy Association (VWEA). Flanders now has 619 operational wind turbines with a total capacity of 1,543.5 MW. According to VWEA, the 2020 target has thus been achieved with a one-year delay.
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In West Flanders, the realizations in the port of Zeebrugge resulted in a substantial growth of 62 MW (sixteen wind turbines). An additional 60 MW (seventeen wind turbines) was built in the province of Antwerp. In East Flanders, 50 MW (fourteen wind turbines) was added this year. An additional 30 MW (nine wind turbines) was built in Limburg, while 4 MW (one wind turbine) has been installed for a long time in 2021 in Flemish Brabant.
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Chip shortage
Despite the difficult economic situation and the consequences of the corona crisis, the sector is showing resilience, says Bart Bode, director of VWEA. The permits for the projects that were built this year already date from a few years ago. Many projects are in the pipeline next year, but whether they can be built in time, according to VWEA, remains to be seen. After all, the wind energy sector is also experiencing delays in deliveries and shortages in parts, such as chips. That makes precise planning very difficult, it sounds like.
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Support
“More than ever, wind energy is desperately needed to keep the energy transition feasible and affordable,” says Bode. “The sector is ready to help achieve the 2030 target and is counting on the necessary support for this. A stable legal framework, smoother procedures and an extension of the current spatial framework for wind energy are necessary to guarantee the further growth of wind energy in Flanders if we are to achieve our objectives. We hope to be able to quickly establish that the measures implemented by the Flemish government regarding the problem of protracted appeal procedures will result in a maximum processing time of six months.”
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Double the target
In a response, Flemish Minister of Energy Zuhal Demir (N-VA) points out that for the first time in years, Flanders has succeeded in increasing the investment rhythm in wind energy. “Despite the perception that some want to create, Flanders takes full responsibility when it comes to renewable energy. Thanks to all the investors on the ground, 2021 is one of the best three years ever. The annual target of 108 MW will not only be exceeded in 2021, but almost double the target will be achieved. This is important since a catch-up had to be made on the previous wind plan,” says Demir.
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At the same time, the prospects are “somewhat positive”, according to the minister. “Over the past 2 years, we have been able to license more than 100 onshore wind turbines, accounting for 410 MW. We will continue on that momentum so that we can achieve our target every year,” says Demir.
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