This week, the European Commission approved the state aid scheme that is to support the first plot of the Princess Elisabeth zone, in the North Sea. This decision removes the last obstacle to relaunching the tender.
This approval forms part of the policy pursued by the federal Minister for Energy, Mathieu Bihet. He intends to make the most of the North Sea's potential, under conditions that protect investors, consumers and public finances alike.
A redesigned procedure
When the previous procedure was interrupted in 2025, the legal, financial and technical uncertainties weighing on the project were no longer sustainable. The government had therefore chosen to thoroughly revise the specifications.
The new scheme is based on a two-sided Contract for Difference (CfD), which gives investors greater legal certainty while protecting consumers. The construction period is also being extended from four to five years. The overall aim is to ensure maximum competition between bidders.
“I am delighted with this validation by the European Commission. It is the last piece needed to relaunch the tender. It demonstrates the quality of the work carried out by the teams and the solidity of the framework we have built,” stresses Mathieu Bihet.
A complementary energy mix
Offshore wind contributes to Belgium's security of supply and energy sovereignty, but it cannot meet the country's needs on its own. The Minister advocates a diversified mix combining nuclear and renewable energy: two decarbonised technologies whose combination reduces emissions, limits dependence on fossil fuels and ensures reliable electricity production.
Mathieu Bihet will therefore continue developing decarbonised energy sources without pitting the technologies against one another, with the ambition of building a sustainable and competitive energy system!