Energy provider Creos estimates that Luxembourg will use 5,900 gigawatt of electricity per hour by 2040. Both mobility and heating will drive up demand in the years to come, according to experts. It is hoped that 100% of electricity will be green as early as 2035 and that 40-45% of it will be produced in Luxembourg.
The Grand Duchy’s geographical location makes wind a three-times more efficient energy source than the sun. A 4-megawatt windmill can achieve the same results as a 10 or 12-hectare-wide solar installation. Also, wind farms in the north are more efficient than those in the south of Luxembourg.
At present, ten to twelve windmills are built each year. Locations are however limited due to noise regulations, which are stricter in the Grand Duchy than in neighbouring Germany and Belgium, says Minister for Energy Claude Turmes:
“In Belgium or the Netherlands, windmills can be located right next to motorways and industrial zones. Why? Because there is already a certain noise level, so it is something we also want to analyse. Perhaps we will get additional installations near motorways or industrial zones. It is particularly interesting for the latter as businesses can make direct use of the produced electricity.”
As there is no realistic chance of producing sufficient energy in Luxembourg, officials are looking abroad for imports. European state heads are set to meet with energy ministers and sectorial representatives in Ostende in a week’s time. Plans for an offshore wind park able to produce as much energy as 250 to 300 nuclear power plants will be discussed.
