Electricity in Belgium in 2022
In 2022, Belgium's electricity consumption data reflected a strong inclination towards low-carbon energy. More than half of the country's electricity consumption, around 47%, was generated from nuclear energy alone. In addition, an almost quarter of the power produced came from low-carbon sources including wind, at roughly 13%, solar energy, hitting close to 8%, and biofuels, at about 5%. Fossil fuel usage for electricity was kept below one-third, with gas making up around 24% and coal close to none at only 0.04%. Interestingly, despite having such diverse energy sources, Belgium notably stood out as a net exporter of electricity.
Suggestions
To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Belgium could consider expanding its already significant nuclear energy infrastructure as nuclear power has proven to be a substantial source of clean energy in countries such as France and Ukraine, where it constitutes 61% and 58% of electricity generation respectively. Furthermore, Belgium could also amplify its wind energy sector. The use of wind energy has shown promising results in Denmark, where it generates more than half the nation's electricity, and in Ireland and the United Kingdom where it caters to one-third and one-fourth of the electricity demand. By learning from these countries' profiles, Belgium could develop a more sustainable, clean and diversified energy portfolio.
History
In terms of historical developments, the production of low-carbon electricity in Belgium has seen considerable fluctuations over the past decades. Nuclear energy emerged in the mid-1970s, increasingly contributing to the electricity grid in the years that followed. More significant increments were made during the early 1980s with nuclear energy generation experienced a massive boost. However, the trend faltered after 2008, as nuclear production began to decline. This period of contraction in nuclear power production was only disrupted by a surge in 2016, followed by notable decline in 2018, and a subsequent recovery a year later. Despite a dip in nuclear-generated power in 2022, the atomic energy still makes up for a large percentage of Belgium's low-carbon electricity production. On a positive note, the year 2020 marked a growth in wind energy offering a glimmer of hope in the sustainable energy landscape of Belgium.