Modular Offshore Grid: phase 1 to be commissioned by 2031

A royal decree published in the Moniteur belge on September 10, 2026, sets October 1, 2031, as the ultimate date by which phase 1 of the Modular Offshore Grid (MOG) extension must be commissioned. The text, signed by King Philippe on August 27, 2026, appears on page 49465 of the official journal under reference [C − 2026/006537]. It originates from the Federal Public Service Economy, SMEs, Middle Classes and Energy.

The MOG is the modular offshore grid that connects the Belgian North Sea wind farms to the onshore grid, an infrastructure deemed strategic for the country’s energy transition. The decree falls within the framework of the Law of April 29, 1999, on the organization of the electricity market, of which Article 6/5, § 2, inserted by the Law of May 12, 2019, empowers the King to set these deadlines. It complements the Royal Decree of June 16, 2024, which established a compensation mechanism for holders of a state concession in the event of a delay in commissioning or total or partial unavailability of the MOG.

A deadline for phase 1

Article 1 of the decree sets the ultimate commissioning date for phase 1 of the MOG extension, as defined in Article 2, § 2, 1°, of the Royal Decree of June 16, 2024. This phase must be operational by October 1, 2031, at the latest.

Conversely, the text does not set a date for subsequent phases of the extension, which remain governed by existing provisions. Article 2 entrusts the Minister of Energy with the execution of the decree.

A regulatory framework and prior opinions

The decree was prepared based on a comprehensive consultative procedure, the steps of which are traced in the recitals of the text:

• proposal (C)3221 from the Electricity and Gas Regulatory Commission (CREG), dated June 4, 2026;
• the consultation between the CREG and the grid operator, held on May 12 and 19, 2026;
• the opinion of the Inspector of Finance, given on July 3, 2026;
• the agreement of the Minister of Budget, given on July 14, 2026.

The text was adopted on the proposal of the Minister of Energy and the opinion of the ministers meeting in Council. It is signed by King Philippe and countersigned by the Minister of Energy, Mr. Bihet.

Implications for offshore wind stakeholders

By setting a clear deadline for phase 1 of the MOG extension, this decree provides state concession holders and grid operators with regulatory visibility regarding the connection schedule for wind farms. It secures the compensation mechanism provided for by the Royal Decree of June 16, 2024, by specifying the date from which a delay in commissioning or grid unavailability could trigger compensation.

For investors and operators of Belgian offshore wind, this deadline of October 1, 2031, constitutes an essential benchmark for project planning and compliance with the national regulatory framework.

Official source: Royal Decree of August 27, 2026, determining the ultimate date by which each part of the Modular Offshore Grid extension must be commissioned, published in the Belgian Official Gazette of September 10, 2026, p. 49465, reference [C − 2026/006537].