Three prominent energy companies — Eneco, Ocean Winds (the joint venture between EDP Renewables and ENGIE dedicated to offshore wind energy) and Otary— have formed a strategic partnership (subject to all required regulatory/competition approvals) to jointly compete in the tender for the offshore wind Princess Elisabeth concessions in Belgium.
Offshore wind energy is a cornerstone of the Belgian energy transition, as it offers one of the most cost-effective, secure and reliable ways to produce energy. Already partners in that nation with the SeaMade offshore wind farm, successfully operating since end of 2020, the consortium brings together expertise and experience in generating clean energy from offshore wind, while unlocking local opportunities and creating local jobs.
The consortium was formed to compete in the upcoming tenders for the Princess Elisabeth Zone (PEZ), that will be split into three lots: one for the development of a 700-MW offshore wind farm and two lots for the development of offshore wind farms each ranging from 1,225 to 1,400 MW. All offshore wind farms are located in areas that will allow for bottom-fixed technology. The consortium plans to participate in each of the upcoming tenders for PEZ, with the first one expected in 2025.
Combining their strengths to participate in these tenders will allow Ocean Winds, Otary and Eneco to submit the most competitive bid and deliver state-of-the-art offshore wind farms and therefore increase their contribution to Belgium’s energy transition.
Preparatory work is already underway, including site assessments by the government and the construction of the Princess Elisabeth Island for the offshore grid connection by Elia. Nevertheless, significant work remains to ensure timely project realization, including the Ventilus and Boucle du Hainaut projects for the onshore grid reinforcement.
Eneco with a renewable production capacity of more than 2,500 MW, is a leading actor for the delivery and production of renewable energy and one of the largest and most prominent players in the wind energy sector in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and the UK. Eneco Wind Belgium has more than 500 MW of onshore and offshore wind power capacity in Belgium.
With 1.5 GW of offshore wind energy already in operation and currently building simultaneously another 2 GW in France and in the United Kingdom, Ocean Winds is a leader in the offshore wind industry. A 50:50 joint venture between ENGIE and EDPR, Ocean Winds is successfully developing, building and operating offshore wind farms in eight countries.
Otary has been instrumental in developing offshore renewable energy in Belgium. With an 800-MW portfolio of operational projects, it has demonstrated its ability to develop, construct and operate reliable, cost-effective renewable energy projects. Leveraging its local presence and experience, Otary aims to submit the most competitive bid.
The tender process is anticipated to be highly competitive, with several leading global players competing for the concessions. However, the consortium’s combined expertise, innovative approach, and commitment to excellence position them as strong contenders.
