Belgium Accused of Stealing Dutch Wind in North Sea Dispute

A curious cross-border controversy has emerged in the North Sea, where Belgium is being accused—somewhat literally—of stealing wind from the Netherlands.

In an interview with Belgian public broadcaster VRT, Remco Verzijlbergh, CEO of Dutch weather forecasting firm Whiffle, stated that the positioning of Belgian offshore wind farms is impacting the performance of nearby Dutch turbines. According to Verzijlbergh, the Belgian turbines are unintentionally intercepting wind that would otherwise power Dutch wind farms, reducing their efficiency by up to 3%.

“When wind passes through turbines, the speed behind them drops measurably,” Verzijlbergh explained. “Because of where Belgium placed its wind farms, they are effectively intercepting wind meant for Dutch turbines.”

The meteorological CEO clarified that the issue is not the result of any foul play. “It’s not a deliberate act,” he said. “This is a side effect of poorly coordinated offshore development. But it has real economic and energy consequences.”

The phenomenon, known as wake effect, occurs when wind turbines disrupt airflow, creating turbulence and slower wind speeds downwind. In tight geographical zones like the North Sea—home to densely packed wind farms from several countries—this effect can have transnational consequences.

Dutch energy operators have expressed concern over the long-term impact on clean energy targets and economic output. While no formal complaints have been lodged, experts are now calling for stronger international coordination when developing offshore energy infrastructure.

As the global race for renewable energy intensifies, the situation underscores how even sustainable solutions like wind power can create unexpected friction—especially when national interests, natural resources, and geography collide.