In 2022, Dominique and Annick had two EAZ-model windmills installed to become more self-sufficient in their farm's energy needs. The estimated 60,000 kilowatts generated annually by the small windmills was exceeded by more than 5,000 kilowatts in 2023!
"Our two windmills came at exactly the right time."
"Our farm has grown considerably over the years. We built a dairy barn in 2008, which took us from 30 to 65 cows. Since 2012, we have been feeding the chickens with a wheat-based feed that we blend ourselves. In 2016, we switched from a traditional milking installation to a milking robot, and in 2020, we installed another barn for 38,000 broiler chickens. So we have no shortage of energy needs!"
"At the time we bought our wind turbines in 2022, we didn't know about the energy crisis. When the turbines were actually installed, it was a different story. By then, energy prices had doubled, maybe even tripled. It was definitely the right time for us to put the turbines in place."
"We had solar panels for over 12 years, which worked very well, but our fans run day and night, and solar power only generates during the day. Now have wind energy at night. At the same time, in summer we experience a peak in our energy consumption precisely during the day because of the heat, so then we can use the solar panels. For our business, the combination of solar and wind makes us pretty much self-sufficient."
"We chose wind turbines from Ecoways because a cousin of mine already had these turbines. That was our example. In addition, Ecoways' turbines fit nicely into our landscape and are the only ones to pass through the permitting process fairly easily here in Belgium.
We haven't had any problems with the neighborhood, because the 15-meter mills don't cause cast shadow problems. You hardly hear them. Only when it blows extra hard."
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"The installation of the mills was lightning fast. The laying of the cables that preceded it took more time than the installation of the mills themselves. In one day, they were upright. First the loose pieces are welded together, then a crane arrives, and in five minutes, the mill is upright. By the evening, we had the first rotations, and through the Millers App I can track the amount of power generated exactly."
"We now generate 40,000 kilowatts per year with our solar panels and the estimate was that the turbines would generate 60,000 kilowatts per year. This was 65,028 kilowatts last year, so it has turned out to be an interesting investment for us. But we're not done yet, because our company consumes 125,000 kilowatts per year. To make up the shortfall of 25,000 kilowatts, we have applied for a third mill. If that is granted to us and if the province and municipality also agree, we will be completely ready for the future."
