Planned wind turbine in Flanders sparks protest in Brussels

The Brussels municipality of Forest is protesting against the planning permission granted for a 220-metre-high wind turbine in the neighbouring Flemish municipality of Drogenbos.

“The effects of a 220-metre wind turbine doesn’t stop at a municipal boundary,” said Mayor Charles Spapens (PS). “It’s unacceptable that Forest was not consulted.”

The project, developed by Luminus, is situated on the site of the chemical company Allnex, close to the power station with its cooling tower, the canal and the railway lines and about 500 metres from the border with Forest.

The planning permission was granted earlier this month by Flemish environment minister Jo Brouns (CD&V), despite negative recommendations from the municipalities of Drogenbos and Sint-Pieters-Leeuw and more than 200 objections submitted during the planning process.

Opponents criticise the proximity to residential properties, the potential nuisance and the impact on the landscape. Drogenbos is considering lodging an appeal against the planning permission.

The wind turbine, with an expected capacity of 4 to 6 MW, is expected to generate approximately 12,000 MWh per year, which corresponds to the average annual electricity consumption of 3,300 households.

No date has yet been announced for when it will come into operation.

Spapens said he supported energy transition, but believes it must take place “with the residents, not without them”.

He is currently in discussions with Drogenbos mayor Alexis Calmeyn to determine what next steps should be taken.