The new Sprimont onshore wind farm, located along the E25 motorway in Damré, Wallonia, approximately 100 km from Brussels, marks a significant step in Belgium’s commitment to renewable energy. Once operational, the wind farm will generate clean energy for more than 10,000 households and offset 16% of the region's CO2 emissions. This ambitious project aligns with the local council’s climate plan to achieve a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
The wind farm comprises five turbines capable of producing between 32 and 38 MWh annually. Sarens was asked by our client Nordex to execute the installation of these turbines. Sarens’ role includes the unloading of components, weighing between 17 and 65 tonnes, and lifting operations at heights of up to 83 meters.
Sarens’ involvement extends until January 2025, with the engineering team meticulously addressing the challenges of space constraints, particularly as two turbines are positioned on an industrial estate, including the premises of a concrete plant. To ensure safety and minimise disruption to operations, Sarens conducted night-time installation work.
For this project, Sarens mobilised cranes with lifting capacities ranging from 130 tonnes to 800 tonnes, from its divisions in Belgium and France. The equipment will remain on-site for two months to handle the complex lifting operations.
Bert Kustermans, Project Manager at Sarens, expressed, “We are very happy to be involved in such an important project for the province of Wallonia. Being able to transfer all the experience Sarens has gained in international onshore wind projects of all types and sizes allows us to optimise our efforts to the maximum and ensure that the work in which we take part at Sprimont will be carried out in the safest and most efficient way. We are proud to play our part in the decarbonisation of Belgian energy.”