TotalFinaElf, through its subsidiary - Fina Eolia S.A./N.V., has applied to the Belgian Electricity and Gas Regulatory Commission for a concession to build and operate a wind farm in Belgian waters. With this project, the Group is supporting the development of electricity generated from renewable energy sources, in line with targets set by the European Union and the Belgian State Department of Energy and Sustainable Development.

The project calls for the installation of 40 wind turbines at a distance of eight to 17 kilometers from shore, in two lines perpendicular to the coast to minimize the visual impact. The turbines will be connected to the onshore power transmission grid by a subsea cable that will make landfall near the port of Zeebrugge. The proximity of the proposed route to existing undersea pipelines and cables will minimise the project’s impact on the seabed and existing fishing zones.

The wind farm should be installed and commissioned in two 50 MW phases, in 2003 and 2004 respectively. The installed capacity will be sufficient to supply electricity to an equivalent population of 150,000 people.

The concession application is the first stage in a one-year authorisation process that will include further studies to assess the environmental impact on the sea, as well as on fishing, shipping and tourism. The studies will be carried out in close cooperation with local communities, local, regional and national authorities and other concerned parties.

Engineering studies are moving ahead to validate technological choices and to determine more accurately the required investment. The final investment decision will depend upon the introduction of an appropriate tariff structure.

TotalFinaElf is committed to leveraging its competencies, in particular its expertise in the offshore oil industry, to develop this innovative, environmentally-friendly industrial project.