Over the past year, spanning from September 2024 to August 2025, Belgium has demonstrated a strong inclination towards low-carbon electricity sources, comprising over 70% of the country's total electricity generation. Of this, nuclear power represents a crucial share at nearly 35%, while wind and solar energy also contribute significantly, making up close to 15% and almost 14% of the total, respectively. Meanwhile, fossil energy sources remain relatively low, accounting for 18% of electricity generation, all of which is gas. Supplementing these sources are biofuels, hydropower, and net imports, each contributing smaller portions to the energy mix, with percentages hovering around 3-4%.
Is Electricity Growing in Belgium?
Despite this strong low-carbon base, Belgium's overall electricity consumption has seen a notable decline. The most recent figure is 6,124 kWh per person, showing a significant reduction from the previous high of 9,079 kWh per person in 2006, a drop of nearly 3,000 kWh per person. Similarly, low-carbon electricity generation has also decreased since its 2021 peak, falling by nearly 2,000 kWh per person to 4,322 kWh per person. This decline is troubling as it suggests a downtrend in electricity usage and highlights the urgent need for Belgium to bolster its low-carbon electricity generation to meet future demands effectively.
Suggestions
To reverse this downtrend and enhance low-carbon electricity generation, Belgium can capitalize on its existing capabilities in nuclear, wind, and solar energy. By expanding its nuclear capacity, Belgium can draw inspiration from countries such as France, where nuclear energy accounts for 69% of electricity generation. Similarly, boosting wind energy production could follow strategies employed by Denmark, where wind contributes 57% to the electricity mix. Furthermore, solar energy offers promising growth opportunities in Belgium, as seen in regions such as Lebanon, which boasts a solar share of 31%. Emulating these successful regions will position Belgium to lead in clean electricity generation, meeting future demands for environmentally friendly energy.
History
Belgium's historical commitment to low-carbon electricity, particularly nuclear, dates back several decades. The initial surge began in the mid-1970s with significant increases, peaking in the mid-1980s, which firmly established nuclear as a backbone of the national energy mix. The 2010s saw fluctuations, with notable expansions in nuclear power until 2012, and again in 2016 and 2019. Despite subsequent difficulties, like significant declines from 2012 onwards, the commitment endured as evidenced by growth phases like in 2021. As wind energy began showing promise, especially with the year's 2020 boost, it is imperative for Belgium to continue nurturing both these sectors. To sustain its leadership in low-carbon electricity, Belgium must strategically enhance its nuclear and wind projects to safeguard and reinforce its energy future.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.