Belgium is leading the EU's energy transition, with wind power generation forecast to reach 1,200GW by 2025

Wind energy, along with other renewable energies, were responsible for almost half of the electricity generation across Europe during 2024, accounting for 47% of the total generation. Furthermore, according to forecasts by the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC), wind generation capacity in Europe, both onshore and offshore, could reach around 1,200 GW by 2025. This outlook is very positive for Europe's progress in the energy transition, which is being driven by the approval of 2.4 billion euros in funding from the European Investment Bank (EIB) to continue supporting various sustainable energy projects, among others.

This growth coincides with a 9% decrease in the proportion of fossil fuels compared to the year 2023. The reduction particularly affects coal and natural gas, where it represents -16% and -6% respectively, causing all fossil fuels together to account for 29% of the total electricity generation mix in Europe, establishing the lowest proportion in history. The growth prospects for renewables place Belgium in the spotlight, which has already become a key player in the European energy transition in recent years.

In order to further increase the share of renewables in the European and Belgian energy mix, industry must rely on construction to provide the necessary infrastructure to further accelerate this process. Sarens, world leader in heavy lifting, engineered transport, and crane rental services, has established itself as a key partner in this transition. Its extensive experience in national and international projects, its state-of-the-art equipment and machinery, capable of adapting to the requirements of any project, and its highly qualified professionals, are a guarantee for the future of the industry.

According to the former Belgian energy minister, Belgium has been able to lay the foundations for a more sustainable, secure and affordable energy system in the last four years. Considering the energy crisis of 2022, these foundations are extremely important if Europe wants to secure its independence in this field, take control of its production and achieve its sustainability goals. Furthermore, Belgium's specialisation in the field of offshore wind energy places the country as a global benchmark, having tripled its wind capacity with the Princess Elisabeth Zone, turning the North Sea into a sustainable power plant.

Bart Minnen, Country Manager at Sarens Belgium, points out that “Our country has already invested heavily in order to be at the forefront of the European Union in renewable energy generation, with a particular focus on offshore wind. However, there are still many challenges ahead if Belgium and the rest of Europe are to achieve energy independence from abroad and from fossil fuels. Having worked on a multitude of projects in the energy sector, both nationally and internationally, Sarens has the means to tackle any project, no matter how complex”.

Sarens is the global leader and reference in crane rental, heavy lift and engineered transportation services. With state-of-the-art equipment, value engineering, one of the world's largest inventories of cranes, transporters and special rigging equipment, Sarens offers creative and intelligent solutions to today's heavy lifting and engineering transport challenges.

With more than 100 entities in 65 countries operating without borders, Sarens is an ideal partner for small to large-scale projects. Sarens currently employs 5,000 highly qualified professionals who are ready to serve the needs of any client worldwide and in all market sectors. https://www.sarens.com/