Ministers Brouns and Depraetere add ‘Windmolenrel’: « We understand that nobody is waiting for a turbine in his backyard »
Jo Brouns (CD&V) and Melissa Depraetere (Vooruit) have settled their fights over windmills. The ministers of the environment and energy worked out a compromise that construction in Flanders still has to make it possible.
It was one of the quarrels that ravaged the Flemish government in recent weeks. Reason: Jo Brouns’ decision to impose new rules for the construction of large wind turbines on land. They must be in residential areas at a distance of at least three times the tip height.
But according to calculations from the sector, that would mean that almost no wind turbines can be buildings. Energy minister Melissa Depraetere was also shot in her wick. By 2030 she must take care of 2.8 gigawatts of wind energy. That is almost impossible. Last year, barely 12 wind turbines were added. The socialist minister promptly announced that the measure would be withdrawn. What Jo Brouns reacted again.
Windmills caused a hefty fight within the Flemish government last week. – © Johnny Geurts
On Friday in response to the Flemish Council of Ministers, the two adjusted the dispute. Jo Brouns may continue to apply his rules in residential areas, but to still make wind turbines possible, the Flemish government recorded areas where more large turbines can be planted. This is about ports, industrial zones or along motorways.
Also view. The resistance against wind turbines is running at full speed and that may cost some: « 20,000 euros per turbine of lawyers, you as a local resident cannot wear that alone »
If the agreed distance cannot be respected, but there appears to be no negative impact, the Minister of Environment can still deliver a permit. For old windmills that must be replaced by new, larger ones, the existing rules continue to apply. This is also the case for devices in seaport areas or on large industrial areas.
Melissa Depraetere is talking about a win-win situation. « We understand that nobody is waiting for a windmill in his back garden. By now defending places where even larger wind turbines can be built, we help our climate a hand and we lower the energy bill of people, » it sounds. Jo Brouns puts more emphasis on the quality of life for residents: “The energy transition can only succeed when we do this in a supported way. With the new rules of thumb we guarantee that there is still enough space to build windmills, but not in the backyard of De Vlaming. This is how we also create clarity for the sector: it is up to them to look to them.” ””
