That CRM mechanism – or the capacity compensation mechanism – must ensure that the power supply is secured after the nuclear phase-out. It offers power producers a fee for making capacity available. This was done through an auction. One of the winners is Engie Electrabel, which is going to build two new gas-fired power stations in Vilvoorde and Awirs.
However, Flemish Minister for the Environment Zuhal Demir (N-VA) has refused a permit for Vilvoorde. This raises concerns about whether Engie will be able to build the plant effectively and have it ready on time.
According to the CEO of Elia, it is primarily the responsibility of Engie Electrabel to supply the capacity that they have won through the auction. “It is up to them to clarify the situation,” said Peeters. Elia says that it has “not received any signals that they want to relinquish the contract”. However, the top man of the high-voltage manager makes sure that the lights will not go out. “We do everything we can to do that every day.”
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