Small windmills on the rise among farmers

The wind turbines can be a nice addition to solar panels, especially now with the high energy prices. But it’s not allowed everywhere. In Middelkerke, mayor Dedecker only wants to allow small windmills if no large turbines are built along the E40. (continue reading below the map)

In 2019, farmer Dirk Devreese from Zevekote near Gistel was the first Flemish farmer with a small wind turbine of 15 meters high. “For me it was something that was affordable, tailored to our company. And you don’t have to worry about it much. That is very important. Low maintenance costs, sustainable.”

There are currently ninety small wind turbines in Flanders, the lion’s share in our province. Tom Vergauwe, EAZ Wind Vlaanderen: “In West Flanders there is much more wind than inland. We are in West Flanders with the largest number of wind turbines. Because West Flanders still has the most farmers.”

A small wind turbine costs just under 100,000 euros and is paid back after five to eight years. The annual yield fluctuates between 20 and 30 kilowatt hours.