The Walloon government wants to increase the production of renewable energy in Wallonia to reduce its dependence on imported fossil fuels, as it fights against rising energy prices and the effects of global warming.
The problem, however, is that installing new wind turbines in the Walloon Region is complicated and time-consuming. Most projects come up against appeals from local residents or even municipalities. The current regulatory framework also does not allow for the installation of new-generation, larger wind turbines.
To move forward and breathe new life into Walloon wind power, the Walloon government is adopting a new framework to encourage the development of new wind turbines. Through its implementation of several different measures, the Government aims to accommodate the interests of various municipalities and residents, and also preserve biodiversity.
A new plan
For 2030, the production target for the Walloon wind energy sector has been raised to 6,200 GWh. The previous plan was formulated in 2019 and aimed to reach 4,600 GWh by 2030. To achieve the new objective, it is necessary to consider the introduction of other, more efficient technologies, according to Philippe Henry, the Walloon Minister of Energy, who is in charge of the reform.
The development of renewable energies now constitutes "a higher public interest" and energy independence has become "an objective of general interest," he said.
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Making the energy transition "inclusive" is one of the reform's objectives by making it mandatory for municipalities and citizens to participate in wind energy projects. "This membership is likely to reduce the number of appeals," said Henry.
Currently, only 4% of the Walloon wind farm network belongs to citizens, while 1% belongs to municipalities and 7% to intermunicipal companies. Henry wants to change this state of affairs to encourage more citizen and municipal ownership of green technologies.
To achieve this, wind project promoters will be required to open the project's capital to the participation of citizens and municipalities, "up to 24.99% for each of the two groups". Citizens and municipalities will remain free to choose whether or not to invest.
