Skip to content

Renewable Energy

Belgium Plans Doubly-Effective ''Island of Wind''

by Dave Armstrong 21 Jan 2013
Belgium Plans Doubly-Effective ''Island of Wind''

Plenty of sand and plenty of wind. Just out there, three km away, left a bit, yes, there it will be, a site for shore eyes. Belgium plans a radical new energy farm in the sea - Belgian Coast Image; Credit: © Shutterstock

A doughnut shape with a crucial central water reservoir; hydro-electric storage of wind energy. Just such a wind farm could be used to produce the near equivalent of one of Belgium's nuclear power stations. As nuclear power provides 57% of the country's energy, alternatives are quickly being sought.

The danger lies in public (and European Parliament) opinion of the two nuclear plants run by France's Electrabel, otherwise known as an offshoot of GDF Suez. They have cracks, or potential cracks, which will certainly be fatal to the plants, if not to any local population.

As nuclear power is now publically-frowned upon, certainly after the Japanese tsunami effect, Belgium is seeking means to emulate its neighbours with their own North Sea wind farms. A relatively small coastline is restrictive, but the island idea would leave more space for further developments as necessary.

In five years, the plan is to build this doughnut from sand, 3km offshore from Wenduine, then store the energy from giant turbines in the height of water held in the central reservoir. Belgium's North Sea Minister announced the plan in Zeebrugge as the first of its kind. The idea has been used for a century in the Scottish Highlands, and contributes to the Scottish achievement of totally-renewable energy provision by 2020. The Scots also have a lot more coastline for wind farms in the islands and their mainland!

Island of Wind

Wind Energy Image; Credit: © Shutterstock

About 2,300MW would be produced from this planned development, while Doel and Liege nuclear facilities are capable of 3,000MW. Meanwhile, Elia, the national power grid operator, will be busy "transforming" its lines so the grid could cope with extra voltage. Here's to five year's time, when perhaps at least one other "island of wind" could be built?


Trending Eco-Friendly Clothing

Love My Planet Women's Relaxed Fit Hoodie
Earth
Quick Add
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Love My Planet Women's Relaxed Fit Hoodie
Love My Planet women's eco-friendly relaxed fit hoodieSize Guide Centimeters 8 10 12 14 16 18 Bust 84 88 92 97 103 108 Waist 66 70 75 80 85 91 Hips 91 95 99 104 109 116 Bust: Measure around the fullest part of...
£38.00
£38.00
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Penguins Hate Push-Ups Men's Pullover Hoodie
Earth
Quick Add
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Penguins Hate Push-Ups Men's Pullover Hoodie
Penguins Hate Push-Ups men's eco-friendly pullover HoodieSize Guide Centimeters XS S M L XL XXL Height 171 175 179 183 189 195 Chest 86 93 99 104 116 129 Waist 71 76 81 89 99 112 Chest: Measure all round your chest just below...
£38.00
£38.00
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Lightning Bolt Kids Long Sleeve T-Shirt
Earth
Quick Add
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Notify me
Lightning Bolt Kids Long Sleeve T-Shirt
Lightning Bolt kids eco-friendly long sleeve t-shirtSize Guide Centimeters 3-4yrs 5-6yrs 7-8yrs 9-10yrs 11-12yrs Height 98 112 125 136 147 Chest 60 66 70 75 84 Chest: Measure all around your chest just below your armpits. Height: Your natural height If you fall between...
£18.00
£18.00
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Notify me
Union Jack Tote Bag
Earth
Quick Add
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Union Jack Tote Bag
Union Jack eco-friendly colour tote bagProduct Specification Organic Cotton Tote Bag. Twill Weave (170gsm). 37 x 42 cm (7cm gusset.) Made in India / Designed on the Isle of Wight. Wash Cool, Hang Dry.
£16.00
£16.00
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Prev Post
Next Post

Eco-Friendly Shop

Women's Clothing

Eco-Friendly Clothing for Women Our online shop offers a wide range of sustainable women’s clothing products, including t-shirts, hoodies, vests, sweaters, shorts, and...
Shop Now

Men's Clothing

Eco-Friendly Clothing for Men Our online shop offers a wide range of sustainable men’s clothing products, including t-shirts, hoodies, vests, sweaters, shorts, and...
Shop Now

Kids Clothing

Eco-Friendly Clothes for Kids Our online shop offers a wide range of sustainable kids clothing products, including t-shirts, hoodies and jumpers. Our garments...
Shop Now
Someone recently bought a
[time] ago, from [location]

Thanks for subscribing!

This email has been registered!

Shop the look

Choose Options

Earth Times
Sign up for exclusive updates, new arrivals & insider only discounts

Recently Viewed

Edit Option
Back In Stock Notification
this is just a warning
Login
Shopping Cart
0 items

Before you leave...

Take 20% off your first order

20% off

Enter the code below at checkout to get 20% off your first order

CODESALE20

Continue Shopping