Commission approves EUR 2 billion Belgian State aid to support offshore wind energy
The Belgian scheme aims to support the construction and operation of the first offshore wind farm in the Princess Elisabeth offshore Zone in the North Sea. The wind farm is expected to have a capacity of up to 735 MW and to generate up to 2.6 TWh of renewable electricity per year.
The aid will be granted through a transparent and non-discriminatory bidding process including the Net Zero Industry Act criterion, to strengthen EU’s resilience. The aid will take form of a direct price support, through a capability-based two-way contract for difference (CfD) and will run for 20 years. The compensation will be granted for the potential electricity production that the wind farm could have produced rather than for its actual production.
The Commission assessed the measure under article Article 107(3)(c) and the CISAF in its section 3 and 4.1.2 and found that the measure is necessary, appropriate and proportionate. The Commission also found that the measure is aligned with goals set out in the Clean Industrial deal and with the objective of a net-zero transition.
The decision will be made available under the case number SA.120400 in the State aid register.
For more information see the Commission’s PR.