Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The Flemish Minister of Environment, Jo Brouns, introduced new rules requiring wind turbines over 200 meters to be built at least 600 meters from homes. Despite public support, only 12 turbines were built in 2024.
As reported by VRT News, the Flemish government, under Minister Jo Brouns, is introducing new rules for wind turbines. These rules focus on where wind turbines can be built in relation to homes. The changes come after concerns about how turbines affect people. These concerns include noise, the flickering shadows they cast, and how big they are.
According to the new law, wind turbines above 200 meters have to be located a specific distance away from the closest residential house. The distance has to be at least 3 times the turbine height. In all cases, the distance must be 600 meters.
As stated by Jo Brouns, the objective is to weigh the need for renewable power against the safeguarding of the quality of life for residents in close proximity. He said that the intention is to ensure that wind energy’s advantages do not adversely affect those living near the turbines.
How will Jo Brouns’ new wind turbine rules impact Flanders’ energy goals?
Flanders is working to increase its wind energy production to help with climate goals and switch to more sustainable energy sources. Jo Brouns agrees that more wind energy is needed. He also says that new rules about how far away wind turbines must be from homes won’t stop progress. Brouns thinks there’s still plenty of space in Flanders for new turbines, especially in places where people are less likely to complain.
He suggests putting turbines in large industrial areas and ports. These areas are good because many people are not living nearby, so there will likely be less opposition. He mentioned that this plan allows Flanders to develop renewable energy without directly affecting residential areas.
A survey in 2021 showed that 65% of people support wind energy. However, only 12 new turbines were built last year. Minister Brouns knows that people agree with renewable energy in general. But, they often don’t want big turbines near their homes.
He mentioned that modern wind turbines can be very tall, about 200 meters high. This can cause problems. When companies try to get permission to build turbines, they often get many objections from residents. This makes it hard to get the necessary permits.
“There is still plenty of room for new wind turbines in large industrial areas and port Zones.”
Jo Brouns
In Ghent, a plan for a 266.5-meter-tall wind turbine was rejected because it was too close to a house, standing only 280 meters away. The new regulations require a distance of 800 meters. Minister Brouns denied the project due to this violation.
However, he approved 3 other wind turbines within the Ghent port area, which met the distance requirements. The government is actively enforcing the rules to protect residents. At the same time, they are still aiming to develop wind energy in a responsible manner.
