Official inauguration of the Balen wind energy project

6 May 2022

Elicio and cooperative Campina Energie have officially inaugurated the two wind turbines in Balen. The largest consumer of wind energy will be the drinking water company Pidpa, which will enable the pumping stations on the site to run almost entirely on green energy. Celebrating renewables on the 6th of May, ....  it was a perfect day!

 

About the wind farm


The wind turbines are located on the Pidpa site near the Pakawi park in Olmen, a municipality in Balen. "These turbines have a combined capacity of 4.7 megawatts and will produce over 10,500,000 kWh of energy per year. This represents about the annual consumption of 3,000 families. Pidpa buys part of the energy produced directly", explains Tine Roels, project manager of Elicio.

 

The climate and energy ambitions of the municipality of Balen


"The wind energy project fits in perfectly with the decision we took with the municipality to sign the Covenant of Mayors on Climate and Energy. The two turbines will save just over 5,000 tonnes of CO2 every year, contributing to our goal of reducing CO2 emissions in our area by 30% by 2030," said Nancy De Bie, deputy mayor of Balen responsible for the environment.

 

Pidpa becomes biggest customer


"Drinking water is a gift from nature. We must cherish and protect nature. Sustainable development is therefore at the core of our activities. The new Elicio project is a good example. The planned wind turbines will provide energy for our water purification and pumping facilities. This is a wise energy choice, because not only do we contribute to a better living environment, but thanks to this cheap green energy, Pidpa can continue to supply you with water at the best price", says Eddy Troosters, CEO of Pidpa.

 

Citizen participation


In cooperation with Campina Energie, Elicio ensures that local residents can participate in the wind turbine project. Mark Jacobs, managing director of Campina Energie: "Campina Energie has a 20% share in the project. Anyone can become a partner by buying at least one share in Campina Energie. Each partner has one vote at the general assembly of the cooperative. In this way, citizens are involved in the management of the project. Together with the municipalities, we strive to make the region more energy independent."

 

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