World Power Plants

Ranked as the 15th largest power generation facility in Belgium, Northwind stands out not only for its impressive capacity of 216 MW but also as the leading wind energy source among the 12 wind plants in the country. Commissioned in 2013, this wind farm plays a pivotal role in Belgium's energy landscape, contributing approximately 1.61% to the national capacity of 13,405 MW, which predominantly relies on nuclear power. The technological prowess behind Northwind includes state-of-the-art wind turbines that harness the robust wind currents of the North Sea, generating clean, renewable energy that aligns with Belgium's climate goals. Geographically, Northwind is part of a vibrant energy cluster, positioned strategically near other significant power generation facilities. Within a 50 km radius, the plant is flanked by various energy sources, including HERDERSBRUG STEG, a gas-fired plant with a capacity of 465 MW, and several wind farms such as Thorntonbank - C-Power - Area SW (177.6 MW) and Belwind Phase 1 (171 MW). This dense concentration of energy production not only enhances grid reliability but also exemplifies the region's commitment to diversifying its energy portfolio. In comparison, the average capacity of power plants in Belgium is significantly higher than Northwind's contribution, yet its role as the largest wind plant underscores the potential for renewable energy in a landscape dominated by fossil fuels and nuclear power. Belgium's energy profile is diverse, but with a strong emphasis on nuclear energy, the emergence of wind power facilities like Northwind is crucial in the transition to a more sustainable energy future. Operating under the stewardship of experienced energy developers, Northwind represents the growing trend of investing in renewable technologies, critical for meeting both domestic demand and environmental commitments. Looking ahead, Northwind is not merely a contributor to the energy grid; it symbolizes Belgium's determination to adapt and harness renewable resources in the face of climate change. As the world moves toward a low-carbon future, the significance of facilities like Northwind will expand, inspiring further investment and innovation in the renewable sector.

Capacity
216 MW
Commissioning Year
2013

13 years old

Owner
Northwind
Location
51.6186°, 2.8998°

Belgium, Europe

Context & rankings
  • 15. largest of 69 plants in Belgium
  • #7,154 worldwide by installed capacity
  • #214 of 5,731 Wind plants worldwide
  • 1.61% of the installed capacity of Belgium
Age & fleet comparison

13 years in operation

Wind fleet average: 14.4 years

Operator portfolio

Northwind operates 1 plants totalling 216 MW

Regional density

75 plants within 100 km, 26,041 MW combined

Nearest plant: Belwind Phase 1 (8.3 km)

Data provenance

Source: 4C Offshore

Location

Coordinates:: 51.618600, 2.899800
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Carbon Footprint

Zero Direct Emissions

Northwind is a wind power plant producing approximately 568 GWh of clean electricity per year with zero direct CO₂ emissions during operation.

Lifecycle emissions: ~11 g CO₂/kWh (manufacturing, transport, decommissioning)

Technical Details

Primary Fuel Type
Wind
Energy Source
Renewable
Country
Belgium
Continent
Europe
Data Source
Global Power Plant Database

BelgiumEnergy Profile

69
Total Plants
13.4 GW
Total Capacity
NuclearGasHydroWind
Top Fuels

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