Potential study and pilot sites for small and medium-sized wind turbines in Flanders

Wind energy is an important technology for the energy transition. Technological advancements mean increasingly larger wind turbines can be built. The advantage of this is that larger turbines generate more energy.

In a densely populated region like Flanders, many areas do not possess the space to install these large wind turbines. For this reason, small and medium-sized turbines are considered as alternatives. These are wind turbines with a capacity ranging from a few kilowatts up to a few hundred kilowatts. They are smaller and have a reduced impact on the surrounding area compared to large turbines.

Because they complement solar energy, small and medium-sized turbines can be an interesting addition to making the energy consumption of businesses, buildings, technical installations and public infrastructure more sustainable.

In the context of a framework contract with the Flemish Energy Company (VEB) and the Programme for Innovative Government Projects, Witteveen+Bos carried out a study into the potential for small and medium-sized wind turbines in Flanders.

In this potential study, we developed a Geographical Information Systems (GIS model) to assess the legal and technical feasibility of the turbines in Flanders. Thanks to this flexible evaluation tool, we can both test the feasibility and speed up the realisation process. As a final step, we created potential maps for the Flemish provinces.

In the second part of the project, working small and medium-sized wind turbines will be installed at various pilot sites in Flanders.

As part of this, Witteveen+Bos will provide the technical-economic feasibility studies. We will also offer technical support throughout the permit process and market consultation phase. Once the pilot projects have been carried out, we will validate the potential study’s results by monitoring the wind turbines.