Wind farms in the North Sea are crucial for Belgium’s renewable energy future, but new research reveals unexpected challenges. On 2025-06-13 10:55:00, scientists highlighted how wind shadow effects extend far beyond individual parks, impacting wind flow between multiple sites.
- Onderzoekers vergelijken windmolenparken op Noordzee
- Windschaduweffect speelt binnen en tussen parken
- Effect voelbaar tot 55 kilometer afstand
- Windmolenparken liggen dicht bij elkaar
- Ruimtegebrek belemmert Belgische Noordzee windenergie
- Windschaduweffect beïnvloedt windenergieplanning aanzienlijk
This means that the wind shadow effect can be felt up to 55 kilometres past a wind farm, affecting neighbouring zones. Since Belgium’s offshore wind parks are often only 10 kilometres apart, this interference could limit the efficiency of new developments.
How does this influence Belgium’s limited space on the North Sea? And what does it mean for future wind energy projects? The findings offer important insights into optimising wind farm placement and output.
What does this mean for Belgium’s offshore wind ambitions? The study raises key questions about managing space and maximising energy production:
- Wind shadow effects reduce wind speeds not only within but also between wind farms.
- Belgian wind parks, spaced about 10 km apart, are especially vulnerable to these effects.
- This could limit the total energy output unless park layouts are carefully planned.
- Future projects may need to consider larger buffer zones or innovative turbine designs.
As Belgium expands its offshore wind capacity, addressing wind shadow impacts will be essential. Policymakers and developers must collaborate to optimise wind farm locations and technologies, ensuring sustainable growth in renewable energy.
