Zeebrugge (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The City of Bruges and ENGIE agreed to build 3 Zeebrugge wind turbines. Alderman Mathijs Goderis supports compensation over legal battles, but Bruges opposes turbines near homes at AGC and Luminus sites.
As VRT News reported, the City of Bruges and energy company ENGIE have finalised an agreement regarding the installation of 3 wind turbines in the inner harbour of Zeebrugge, part of Bruges. Bruges has agreed to withdraw its appeal against the wind turbine project on Koffieweg, ending legal opposition to the development at that site.
In exchange, ENGIE will provide financial compensation to the city. This compensation is intended to address concerns related to visual disturbance, noise emissions, and light pollution generated by the turbines and ongoing harbour operations.
How will Bruges’ new ENGIE deal impact wind turbines and residents?
According to officials, the funds provided by ENGIE will serve as the initial capital for a dedicated “liveability fund” focused on improving conditions in Bruges-Noord, the neighbourhood affected by these developments.
This fund is designed to reduce nuisances and support sustainable initiatives that enhance housing quality and overall living standards in the area. Contributions to the liveability fund will come not only from ENGIE but also from the port authority and other local businesses.
Alderman for Urban Development and Spatial Planning Mathijs Goderis (Vooruit) said the agreement with ENGIE lets the city invest in measures to reduce the impact of the wind turbines. He explained that Bruges prefers this approach because it brings immediate and certain benefits to residents. Goderis added that this is better than a long legal fight that could take years and might not end in the city’s favour.
Despite this deal, the city remains strongly against other wind turbine projects planned closer to homes. Bruges continues to oppose turbines proposed at the AGC site, Luminus’ Lancelot Blondeellaan, and the Aspiravi project along Zeebruggelaan.
The city worries these turbines would cause noise, light, and visual disturbances for residents. Bruges is willing to work on projects that improve the area, but will fight any plans that threaten the well-being of local communities.
Bruges has seen ongoing concerns from residents about wind turbines near homes. People worry about noise, light, and how the turbines change the view. Many wind projects have been planned to help Belgium use more green energy. But some of these plans faced strong local opposition and legal challenges.
