Electricity in Belgium in 2023

In 2023, the state of electricity consumption in Belgium shows a strong reliance on low-carbon energy sources, which account for more than 70% of the total generation. Nuclear energy leads the pack, contributing almost 40%, while wind energy is responsible for around 18%. Solar energy adds approximately 9% and biofuels about 5%. Fossil fuels, despite their negative impact on climate and air quality, still account for about a quarter of the electricity generated, with gas alone making up around 20%. Net imports contribute just under 2%, reflecting a minor but significant part of the electricity mix.

Suggestions

To further boost its low-carbon electricity generation, Belgium can focus on expanding existing nuclear and wind capacities. For instance, looking at successful examples from other countries, Denmark generates more than half of its electricity from wind, while France and Slovakia have harnessed nuclear energy to generate around 65% and 62% of their electricity respectively. This success in nuclear energy highlights the potential for Belgium to significantly reduce its reliance on fossil fuels by investing in nuclear power. Additionally, Uruguay and Ireland provide good models for successful wind energy adoption, generating 35% and 32% of their electricity from this source, respectively. Learning from these countries, Belgium could further diversify its clean energy portfolio by upscaling both its nuclear and wind infrastructure to meet future electricity demands sustainably.

History

Historically, nuclear energy has played a significant role in Belgium's low-carbon electricity generation. Major increases in nuclear capacity were seen in the late 1970s to mid-1980s, with large gains in 1975, 1976, 1983 through 1986. The late 1990s saw smaller but steady increases. However, the early 2010s marked a period of decline, notably in 2012, 2014, and 2015, potentially due to operational challenges or policy changes. Surprisingly, 2016 witnessed a remarkable rebound with a substantial increase, followed by another significant boost in 2019. Recent years have seen mixed results; the year 2020 experienced a decline, then a rise in 2021, but another significant drop in 2023. In contrast, wind energy has consistently grown, as seen in the positive gains of 2020 and 2023, indicating steady and promising advancements in Belgium's green energy landscape.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Maximum Imports

Data Sources