Belgium
In Belgium most of the community projects are initiated by REScoops (renewable energy sources cooperatives) which are members of the Federation of groups and cooperatives of citizens for renewable energy in Belgium (REScoop.be). Some of the members already have projects, others are still working to have them.
Wind: 16 wind turbines
PV: 320 installations
Small hydro power: 3 water mills
Biomass: 1 plant oil cogeneration plant
Wood pellets factory: production capacity of 40,000 tons/year
In Belgium a real rush on the suitable sites happened, a rush where the REScoops were too late. That’s why we claim the wind in name of the citizens as wind is a common good and does not belong to a landowner. We try to convince political parties and administrations to reserve a citizen’s stake in every wind project.
In the Walloon region a regulation is being prepared in which it is stated that 25% of each wind project should be offered to citizens and 25% to the municipality.
In the province of Eastern-Flanders wind turbines will be grouped in concentration areas near highways. In these zones 10% has to be offered for direct participation of citizens and 10% for the municipalities. Other provinces are interested in following this approach. REScoop.be lobbies for higher percentages like in Wallonia.
Interesting links:
REScoop.eu (European federation of groups and cooperatives of citizens for renewable energy)
REScoop.be (Belgian federation of groups and cooperatives of citizens for renewable energy)
REScoop.Vlaanderen (Flemish federation of groups and cooperatives of citizens for renewable energy)
REScoops in Flanders:
Contact:
Ecopower Belgium
Dirk Vansintjan
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Phone: +32 486 39 22 12
Website: www.ecopower.be
