The energy island off our coast is not only very expensive, Febeliec believes, it also hinders the development of new wind farms in the Elisabeth zone. Elia puts things into perspective, but confirms that they are still investigating alternatives. “The Belgian energy island is of great strategic importance and will determine the Belgian electricity supply in the coming decades. The structure for the island will be built for a period of 100 years and fits in with the long-term vision in which offshore wind energy will become essential in the future energy mix of our country,” says Elia.
In the meantime, construction of the foundations of the artificial island continues. This guarantees that two of three new offshore wind farms can be built. Elia calls the island crucial in a long-term vision of offshore wind energy.