Energy independence
Greater security of supply with offshore wind power
Belgium is currently facing a set of major challenges in terms of its energy future. We need to source our electricity in more sustainable ways and secure our supply, all while keeping costs under control for families and businesses. Offshore wind power plays a key role in this. By generating electricity locally in the North Sea, we’re bolstering our energy independence and building a more stable energy system. Fortunately, we can rely on a strong domestic supply chain and in-depth offshore expertise to help us do so.
Less dependence on energy imports
Today, Belgium is heavily dependent on energy imports. Approximately 65% of our energy comes from outside of Europe, including from the Middle East, Russia, the United States, and elsewhere (FPS Economy, 2026). This leaves us exposed to international tension, such as the conflict in Ukraine, and fluctuating gas and oil prices.
By investing in offshore wind power, we can break the shackles of that reliance. Offshore wind allows us to generate energy locally and on our own terms, and is not tied to imported fossil fuels. This enables us to bolster our energy independence and become less susceptible to external shocks.
More stable prices for businesses and families
The ability to generate our own electricity has a direct impact on the stability of our energy market. Once we are less reliant on imports, our energy prices become more predictable, we create a more stable investment climate for businesses, and we can offer better rates to families.
All of these factors are crucial to the Belgian economy. Businesses need reliable and affordable energy to help them stay competitive, while families need to be protected from extreme hikes in prices. Every single offshore wind turbine helps us achieve this stability. Just one 15 MW turbine can supply 15,000 households with power, for example.
Greater supply chain security
The more offshore wind capacity we install, the more electricity we can produce ourselves. Our offshore wind industry is still fairly young: Belgium installed its first offshore turbines back in 2009.
- Today, we can access 2,262 MW of installed production capacity, delivering an average of 8 TWh of green electricity per year.
- This capacity covers 10% of Belgium’s total electricity needs, or nearly 50% of the electricity consumed by our Belgian households.
- With the scheduled rollout of the Princess Elisabeth Zone, we’ll be able to develop a further 3.5 GW of offshore wind capacity.
This constitutes a significant boost to our security of supply.
Reduced risk of power shortages and blackouts
When nuclear power stations like Doel 3 and Tihange 2 suddenly shut down, our power supply quickly hits its limits, especially in winter. More offshore wind power helps limit the risk of power shortages and blackouts by providing extra domestic production capacity.
And that matters, because power cuts have a significant impact: according to calculations by the Federal Planning Bureau, a nationwide power cut of one hour during the working day would cause around 120 million euros of social and economic damage.
Keen to find out more about the other benefits of offshore wind power?