Wind Turbines in Tongeren-Oost: Construction on Schedule
This week, several trucks will deliver the concrete needed to lay the foundations for one of the two wind turbines at the Tongeren-Oost industrial site. Pouring the concrete is a critical step in the construction process and is highly weather-dependent.
“Optimal weather conditions include low to moderate humidity and minimal wind,” explains Joseph Zaccone, construction manager at Renner Energies. “Excessive rain or snow can dilute the concrete mix, while strong winds can speed up the drying process. Fortunately, the weather this week is ideal for the job.”
The volume of concrete and steel required for a turbine's foundation depends on the site location and the soil conditions.
“Due to the limited space on this industrial site, we’ve used additional steel to ensure the turbines’ stability,” Zaccone notes.
He also highlights the sustainability of the project: “After the turbines reach the end of their lifespan, the concrete will be crushed and repurposed, such as for use in the cement industry.”
Crowdfunding Campaign Exceeds Expectations
Beyond the construction itself, the project has achieved a significant social milestone. In early October, a crowdfunding campaign was launched with a goal of raising €250,000. Residents of Tongeren and Riemst, as well as employees from neighboring businesses, were invited to invest.
“The response was extraordinary. Two weeks before the campaign ended, we had already reached our goal,” says André-Stephane Van de Goor, Head of Development at Renner Energies.
By spring 2025, contributors will see the fruits of their investment: fully operational wind turbines capable of generating approximately 17,000 MWh annually—enough to power around 5,000 households.