Ocean Winds (OW), Eneco and Otary have formed a consortium to bid for the offshore wind Princess Elisabeth concessions in Belgium, with the first tender expected in 2025.

Ocean Winds is a joint venture between EDP Renewables and Engie.

Eneco Belgium Wind CEO Miguel de Schaetzen stated: “With our One Planet Plan we act on a real ambition: becoming climate neutral by 2035. In order to do so we need to further speed up our investments in renewable energy.

“Proud and grateful to be a part of this consortium with expert partners – whom we have a long-term relationship with – we reinforce Eneco’s leading position in the energy transition and we walk the talk: supplying all of our customers with 100% locally produced green electricity.”

The consortium aims to leverage its combined expertise in offshore wind energy to enhance clean energy generation, stimulate local economies and create job opportunities within the region.

The developers have a history of successful partnership in Belgium, notably with the 487MW SeaMade offshore wind farm, which has been operational since the end of 2020.

Tenders will be divided into three parts, with one focusing on the development of a 700MW offshore wind farm.

The other two will work on construction of offshore wind farms with capacities ranging from 1.2GW to 1.4GW.

All proposed wind farms are planned for locations conducive to bottom-fixed technology.

Preparatory activities have commenced, including site assessments by the government and the development of Princess Elisabeth Island for offshore grid connections by Elia.

Considerable tasks lie ahead to ensure the timely realisation of the projects.

These include the Ventilus and Boucle du Hainaut initiatives, essential for reinforcing the onshore grid.

Ocean Winds Belgium and Netherlands country manager Wouter Vandekerkhove stated: “Ocean Winds is thrilled to partner once again with Otary and Eneco for the Princess Elisabeth offshore wind tenders.

“Our participation will be based on our international expertise and experience from our three operational offshore wind farms and four under construction, combined with Otary and Eneco’s local knowledge.

“We are looking forward to expanding the positive impacts of the successfully operating SeaMade wind farm to bring more clean energy from offshore wind for Belgium’s energy transition.”