• €682 million boost: EU regulators approve Belgian aid for a new offshore wind farm in the North Sea.
• 700 MW capacity: The project aims to generate at least 2.6 terawatt-hours of renewable energy annually.
• Challenges ahead: Slow permitting processes and grid upgrades could hinder Europe’s renewable energy targets.

The European Commission has approved a €682 million ($756.54 million) Belgian state aid package to support the growth of offshore wind energy. The funds will back the construction and operation of a new wind farm in the North Sea.

This project is expected to have a capacity of 700 MW and generate over 2.6 terawatt-hours of renewable energy per year. It is a significant step towards achieving Europe’s renewable energy target of sourcing 42.5% of its energy from renewables by 2030.

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However, the wind energy industry warns that delays in the permitting process could pose a threat to Europe’s green energy transition. The sector faces a “significant backlog for permits,” slowing down crucial projects. Additionally, upgrades to power grids across Europe are progressing slowly, which could further impede renewable energy initiatives.