Five new wind turbines have become operational at the Port of Zeebrugge in Flanders. More specifically, they’re located on the sites of transshipment companies C.RO Ports Zeebrugge and Wallenius Wilhelmsen Solutions.
The development of the wind farm is part of the “clean port strategy” of Zeebrugge and was carried out by green power producer Eneco. “It’s an impressive project,” confirms Tine Deheegher, manager at Eneco Wind Belgium, “situated right within the port area, where the government of Flanders focuses on wind energy as a top priority.”
The new wind farm consists of 5 wind turbines, each 150 meters high. They are located on the terminals of C.RO Ports and Wallenius Wilhelmsen Solutions and have a combined capacity of 18 MW.
Each year, they will produce approximately 50 GWh of green electricity, which is comparable to the average annual consumption of around 14,300 families. Part of this energy will be used locally at the terminals. The rest will be connected to the grid.
“We had already built up the necessary experience and expertise with the construction of wind turbines in the Port of Zeebrugge. The permit process for these 5 turbines went very smoothly. Port areas are an ideal location for wind turbines. Some of the green power generated will be used here at the terminal. The rest goes to the grid and enables us to further help our customers in the energy transition to 100% renewable and locally generated electricity. As part of the One Planet plan, our goal is to be a climate-neutral company by 2035.” Tine Deheegher, manager Eneco Wind Belgium.
The combined investment for this wind farm amounts to around EUR 20 million. For the transshipment companies C.RO Ports Zeebrugge and Wallenius Wilhelmsen Solutions, opting for green energy is a logical choice.
“We have both the space and favorable wind climate in our ro-ro ports to accommodate wind turbines. By supplying our terminals with green, locally produced electricity and using it to charge our customers’ e-cars, our own electric terminal vehicles and, in the future, possibly the batteries on our ships, we are making an extra effort to minimize greenhouse gas emissions.” Florent Maes, CEO of C.RO Ports
”We are delighted to be able to contribute to this expansion of green energy development at the port for our region. Wallenius Wilhelmsen Solutions is developing several innovations around green energy. The most eye-catching initiative will be the construction of a ro-ro sailing ship.” Emmanuel Van Damme, General Manager terminal Wallenius Wilhelmsen Solutions
The Port of Zeebrugge also wants to continue playing a pioneering role in the energy transition. The port is involved in various projects in this regard, including the preparation of green hydrogen production and import, and the further rollout of shore-based power. The new wind farm is thus part of a bigger picture.
With these 5 wind turbines added, the total production capacity in our port goes up to almost 200 MW. “But it doesn’t stop there. In the coming years, we will further facilitate the construction of wind farms. In the outer port, for example, there’s still a lot of potential. In addition, we are making a lot of other efforts to make the port more sustainable as part of our ‘clean port’ strategy.
…Tom Hautekiet, CEO Port of Zeebrugge, concluded.
