New Industrial Policy

The project Windkracht 13 (‘Wind power 13’) aims to open up the market for small and medium wind turbines, based on the execution of a JERTS-study (Juridical, Economical, Spacial, Technical, Social) in which the existing barriers are visualized. Based on this study, recommendations are made for the reduction of obstacles connected to these barriers and new opportunities are formulated. Best-case practices for the installation of small and medium wind turbines are visualized, leading to the installation of highly necessary demonstrations. For example, all small and medium wind turbines (SMWT) in Flanders are mapped. This overview is available on http://www.windkracht13.be/inventaris-kmwt.

Apart from opening up the existing, but limited, market, the project aims to strengthen the market introduction of SMWTs by mapping new locations, based on realistic and pragmatic criteria. Attention is paid to the reuse of existing masts and towers which could be, in addition to their traditional function, suitable for renewable energy applications in general, and small (and medium) wind turbines in particular, possibly after adjustment. The starting point of this study is the existing regulation, support mechanisms and standards. However, it is not the intention to limit the study to these conditions. The goal is, in contrast, to disconnect the specific approach as to throw open the doors to let a fresh breeze in the Flemish and local energy policies.

This project is part of a call in the framework of the New Industrial Policy. The economic pillar of the NIP focuses on the ‘Fabriek van de Toekomst‘ (‘Factory of the Future’) to serve as focal point for the new productivity offensive.

Partners

• Universiteit Gent, Power-Link
• Tecnolec

Further information

This project is supported by the Flemish Government (New Industrial Policy | Fabriek van de Toekomst) for the period March 2013 – August 2015.

More information on Windkracht 13 is available on the project website: http://www.windkracht13.be.