Electrawinds is already, by its own account, the largest privatelyowned renewable energy group in the country. With investments in wind, solar and bio-mass energy, the company now has a production capacity of 200 megawatts (mW), and ambitious plans for growth. According to Desender, capacity could be up to 500 mW by 2011.

The PMV money may not be ringfenced, but the agency is displaying a clear interest in wind energy. Out of three major investments in renewable energy projects made by the PMV in the last six months, two have been to companies - Electrawinds and Belwind - who are deeply involved in the production of wind energy in the North Sea. Belwind is the project to build a wind farm on the Bligh bank off the North Sea coast. The third recipient was the Antwerp-based Thenergo, a developer and operator of projects using biogas, bio-oil, natural gas, wood biomass and secondary fuels.

Electrawinds' additional capacity will come from new wind farms, including the Eldepasco project in which supermarket chain Colruyt is a participant. In June this year Electrawinds won the concession for the development of the fourth wind farm to be established in Belgian waters.

The PMV meanwhile said its latest injection of funds was a strategic investment, in line with the PMV's decision to make green energy a priority for investment.