On Thursday 27 September, the European Commission approved Belgian plans to support three offshore wind farms.
In December 2016, the Commission authorised a Belgian support regime in favour of offshore renewable energy. Under this regime, operators receive certificates for the renewable offshore energy they produce from the federal energy regulator, which may then be sold to the Elia transmission system operator at the electricity market price plus a premium.
Within this framework, the Belgian authorities notified the Commission of a support project in favour of three planned wind farms in August, to a maximum total of €3.5 billion.
The institution evaluated the measure in light of the EU rules on State aid and, more specifically, the Guidelines on State aid for environmental protection and energy.
Firstly, it considered that the scheme would allow Belgium to increase its share of renewable energy and reduce pollution, but without having the effect of creating a significant competition distortion. Also noting that the aid was necessary and served as an incentive, as windfarms are not financially viable without public support, the Commission therefore decided to approve the measure. (Original version in French by Lucas Tripoteau)