In 2024, the state of electricity consumption in Belgium reveals a strong reliance on low-carbon energy sources. Almost 70% of the country's electricity comes from these clean sources, which include a substantial contribution from nuclear energy, accounting for more than 37%. Wind power also makes a significant impact, contributing nearly 17%, while solar energy provides over 10% and biofuels add around 4%. Fossil fuels, predominantly gas, comprise approximately 20% of the electricity generation. Net imports stand at a little over 11%, indicating Belgium's dependence on cross-border electricity trade. The mix clearly highlights Belgium's commitment to clean energy but also underscores the potential for further decreasing the share of fossil energy.
Is Electricity Growing in Belgium?
Despite the strong foundation of clean energy, Belgium faces challenges in increasing its overall electricity consumption compared to past levels. The per capita electricity usage in 2024 is 7,182 kWh, down significantly from the record of 9,079 kWh per person in 2006, representing a reduction of almost 1,900 kWh per person. Similarly, low-carbon electricity generation has also declined, with the current figure at 4,958 kWh per person, a drop of about 1,357 kWh since 2021. This worrying trend of declining electricity consumption, particularly in low-carbon generation, necessitates strategic measures to reverse and sustain growth to meet future demands and enhance environmental sustainability.
Suggestions
To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Belgium should focus on expanding existing nuclear, wind, and solar capacities. Drawing lessons from successful regions, Belgium can look towards countries like France, where nuclear energy covers 68% of electricity needs, and Denmark, with wind power contributing 52%. Additionally, solar energy potential can be better harnessed by learning from Lebanon and Nevada, where solar accounts for 31% and 27% respectively. By advancing these sectors, Belgium can significantly boost its low-carbon electricity output, ensuring a greener energy landscape and reducing dependence on fossil fuels, which are associated with harmful emissions and climate change.
History
Historically, nuclear energy has played a pivotal role in Belgium's clean electricity landscape. During the mid-1970s and throughout the 1980s, there was considerable growth, with notable increases in nuclear output—such as in 1983 with an 8.4 TWh boost. However, in recent years, there have been significant declines in nuclear generation, particularly in 2012, 2014, and 2015, with reductions of up to 8.9 TWh. Fortunately, this was followed by a rebound in selected years such as 2016 and 2019. Meanwhile, wind energy has gradually increased its presence, with steady growth evident since 2020, including a 3.1 TWh increase in 2023. It's crucial that Belgium strengthens its commitment to nuclear and wind energy to ensure a sustainable and stable clean electricity infrastructure.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.