Belgium approves new framework for Princess Elisabeth wind tender

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The federal government of Belgium has approved a new regulatory framework for the relaunch of the tender for a plot in the Princess Elisabeth Area.

The Princess Elisabeth Area is located 45km off the Belgian coast and was created to connect offshore wind farms to the electricity grid. It aims to become the world's first energy island, helping Belgium meet its renewable energy targets.

Federal Energy Minister Mathieu Bihet said: "A year ago, we made a difficult but essential decision. We have not chosen speed for speed's sake, but a legally sound call for tenders that inspires confidence in investors and protects the consumer. Today, this new framework is in place. The offshore dossier is once again on solid foundations."

The government created the new framework after the previous call for tenders was cancelled. The framework has been incorporated into the Royal Decree Tender in an effort to simplify the bidding process.

Additional changes include removing the strike price cap, strengthening European standards for safety and sustainability, extending the maximum construction period, and abolishing separate support schemes. The changes also align the project with the European Net-Zero Industry Act.

Additional restrictions have been placed on Chinese imports, with at least 75% of a project's turbines prohibited from being manufactured or assembled in China. In addition, no more than 85% of permanent magnets used in the project may originate from China.

For more information about offshore wind farm projects across the globe, click here.

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