The province of East Flanders removed the climate condition from the permit for the Luminus gas power plant in Ghent at the end of July. Bond Beter Leefmilieu and Dryade are appealing this decision to Environment Minister Jo Brouns. The removal of the condition for CO2 neutrality by 2040 directly contradicts several well-founded negative recommendations from the Flemish Energy and Climate Agency (VEKA). This decision is contrary to climate policy and also goes against good governance.
In 2021, Luminus received an indefinite permit for its existing steam and gas power plant. This came with the condition that the plant would be CO2 neutral by 2040. Luminus is now requesting the removal of this condition, arguing that it is technically and economically unfeasible. VEKA rejected this position in a recommendation due to insufficient justification. Nevertheless, the province of East Flanders simply agrees to Luminus's request and removes this climate condition.
“It is unprecedented for a government to remove a crucial climate condition from a permit based on the operator's guesswork. Making our energy supply fossil-free is not only good for the climate, but it also disconnects us from authoritarian regimes and strengthens our strategic autonomy. Luminus should not be given a free pass,” responds Almut Bonhage, energy policy expert at Bond Beter Leefmilieu.“
According to Dryade, the procedural course of events is extremely concerning. “The very well-founded negative recommendations from the Flemish climate agency are being dismissed without valid reason..” says Dries Verhaeghe, director at Dryade. “This could set a harmful precedent that encourages companies to remove important climate conditions. Gas power plants can play a role in the transition to a climate-neutral society, but this should not be an excuse to abandon our climate goals.”
BBL and Dryade call on Environment Minister Jo Brouns to reconsider this decision and to adhere to the climate commitments that were previously established.