Elia postpones decision on Belgian energy island

High-voltage grid operator Elia is postponing the decision on the energy island in the North Sea. On Tuesday, NMN announced that after earlier postponements, Belgium had finally issued a tender for the first of three new giga wind farms in the Princess Elisabeth zone in the North Sea.

However, the decision has been postponed now that a public discussion has been raging for weeks about the energy project’s spiraling costs (from €2.2 to €7) and potentially significant impact on energy rates. The significant price increase is due to rising inflation, more expensive materials, and market effects: governments are increasing their demand for offshore energy.

Unexpectedly high costs

Elia was expected to consider the billion-dollar order for the required electricity infrastructure tomorrow. Still, the grid operator is now putting on the brakes due to the outbreak of public discussion about the unexpectedly high costs—and their immediate consequences for energy rates.

By postponing the decision, the authorities have the time to conduct the debate in complete serenity. In the meantime, federal energy regulator CREG is conducting a cost-benefit analysis. The result is expected in mid-January.

Security of supply

In the meantime, Elia continues to emphasize that the energy island offers our country additional security of supply and will improve access to more renewable energy for lower electricity prices.

CREG estimates the cost of the energy island at 20 to 22 euros annually for an average family for about thirty years in a row from 2032. This cost threatens to be much more expensive for the industry.