In 2025, Belgium is riding smoothly on the path of utilizing low-carbon energy, accounting for about two-thirds of its electricity consumption. Nuclear power plays a significant role in this mix, contributing nearly 30%, making it a cornerstone of Belgium's energy strategy. Wind and solar energy are not far behind, collectively producing almost a third of the country's electricity, with wind at nearly 17% and solar at approximately 14%. Nevertheless, fossil fuels like gas and coal still hold about 22% of the share, and net imports make up more than 12%, indicating room for improvement. Belgium is making commendable strides towards a clean electricity future, yet there remains a compelling need to further increase its green energy generation to reduce reliance on fossil fuels more substantially.
Data sources used on this page include ENTSOE, Eurostat, IEA and World Bank. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Belgium?
Despite these advancements, Belgium has seen a concerning decline in electricity consumption, with current levels at 6415 kWh per person, a significant drop from the previous 2006 record of 9079 kWh per person. This reduction, almost 30%, suggests a worrying trend that could adversely affect future electrification efforts, notably as the world trends towards increased electricity use for technological advances like AI. Low-carbon electricity has also seen a hefty reduction in its share, showing a fall to 4202 kWh per person from the 2021 record of 6094 kWh. These trends underscore the urgent need for Belgium to bolster its low-carbon electricity generation to meet present and future demand while maintaining a commitment to sustainability.
Suggestions
To tackle these challenges, Belgium could pursue an expansionary path towards low-carbon electricity by enhancing its existing capacity in nuclear, wind, and solar power. With France and Slovakia effectively utilizing nuclear energy for over half of their electricity, Belgium can learn from these countries to strengthen its nuclear infrastructure. Likewise, Denmark and Iowa have set impressive standards in wind energy production, generating around 60% from this source; similar initiatives could be implemented in Belgium to amplify its wind capabilities. Belgium could also take inspiration from Nevada where solar energy comprises about 34% of electricity production, indicating the immense potential for solar expansion. By adopting these strategies and insights from exemplary regions, Belgium can reinforce its clean electricity generation while reducing dependency on fossil fuels.
History
Looking back, Belgium's journey in nuclear energy started triumphantly in the late 1970s and early 80s, with significant capacity additions that propelled its low-carbon electricity generation forward. However, the country faced sudden setbacks in the 2010s, with notable declines in nuclear output between 2012 and 2015, and again in the late 2010s and early 2020s. These periods of reduction reflect challenges that necessitate strategic planning to stabilize and enhance nuclear output. More recent years have shown a blend of periods of robust growth, particularly in 2016 and 2021, along with troubling cuts like the one in 2023. On a brighter note, wind energy showed promising growth in 2023, hinting at Belgium's capacity to diversify its low-carbon energy portfolio further. While Belgium's past with nuclear energy reflects a mix of progress and setbacks, the opportunity to revitalize and expand clean energy sources presents a path towards a sustainable and secure electricity future.
