Prime Minister Michel said yesterday in the Belgian House of Representatives that “failure is not an option in the fight against global warming.”

The offshore wind-energy sector is pleased to hear that Prime Minister Michel remains resolute in backing climate targets.

Offshore wind energy has a crucial role to play in the shift to climate-friendly energy generation. At the same time, offshore wind energy is also bringing economic benefits: 6,000 jobs have already been created in the offshore wind industry and it is estimated that 10,000 more will be added by 2030.

Belgian governments have made a substantial investment in offshore wind since the start of the 21st century. As a result, we now have 877 MW of wind energy in the North Sea producing green electricity. Development of the next 680 MW (Rentel and Norther projects) is now actively underway.

Belgium is committed to realising Europe’s climate target by 2020. Offshore wind has a crucial contribution to make here: 50% of Belgium’s green electricity target could be met through offshore wind energy.

It is therefore essential that the next three projects – Mermaid, Northwester 2 and Seastar, with their planned 700 MW – soon receive government clarification of the investment framework within which these climate-friendly investments can be realised.