Belgium resets the rules for a 700 MW offshore wind tender

What happened

Belgium approved a revised framework to relaunch the first tender in the Princess Elisabeth offshore wind zone. The PEZ 1 site is planned for about 700 megawatts, within a three-area zone intended to reach 3.5 gigawatts. The new approach uses a single two-sided contract for difference, extends the construction period from four to five years, removes the earlier price cap, and adds prequalification requirements covering cybersecurity, corporate responsibility, environment, and supply chains.

Why it matters

Offshore wind projects need more than strong resources: tender design, grid readiness, finance, supply chains, and public safeguards determine whether capacity is delivered affordably and on time. Belgium's reset is an attempt to make a delayed project investable without abandoning accountability requirements.

What to watch

• Council of State review and European Commission state-aid approval before the tender is relaunched.
• How bidders respond to the revised contract, supply-chain requirements, and longer delivery period.
• Whether onshore grid reinforcement and the energy-island connection remain aligned with the project schedule.

Sources & evidence

• Belgium relaunches tender for 700 MW offshore wind projectEnerdata update published July 27, 2026, summarizing the revised Belgian tender framework.
• Breakthrough for offshore wind: government approves new PEZ 1 frameworkBelgian Energy Minister announcement dated July 18, 2026, on the approved regulatory framework.

Topics

• Offshore Wind
• Belgium
• Clean Energy
• Energy Policy
• Grid Infrastructure