Nuclear sector should share costs for Belgian offshore wind power - report

Jul 3, 2013 - Belgian state secretary for energy Melchior Wathelet wants the nuclear sector to cover part of the costs for the expansion of offshore wind power in the country, local daily De Tijd reported today.

The proposal, which is backed by deputy prime minister Johan Vande Lanotte, is part of Wathelet's plan for Belgium's power generation. The plan will be presented to the government today.

Wathelet wants that a portion of the annual nuclear tax of EUR 550 million (USD 712.3m) as well as part of the profits from the provision of nuclear energy are used to co-pay the offshore wind bill.

This year's costs for offshore wind power already amount to EUR 62 million and will increase to EUR 800 million once all the seven planned wind farms become operational.

Offshore wind farms are currently supported through green power certificates which are bought up by local power grid operator Elia. The company subsequently passes the costs on to customers, both business and retail.

(EUR 1.0 = USD 1.295)

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