Belgium's Energy Profile
Strategic Insights for UK Energy Trading Professionals
2024 Generation Snapshot
Belgium's electricity mix saw record renewable contributions and a continued decline in nuclear and gas generation, creating a more dynamic and volatile market.
29.8%
Renewable Share
42.4%
Nuclear Share
17.6%
Gas-Fired Share
80.5 TWh
Total Consumption
2024 Electricity Generation Mix (TWh)
Nuclear power remains the largest single source, but its dominance is waning as renewables, especially solar, continue their rapid expansion. This shift increases the grid's weather dependency.
The Nuclear Pivot
A landmark policy reversal has reinstated nuclear power as a long-term strategic asset, fundamentally altering Belgium's future energy security and baseload supply outlook.
2003
Nuclear phase-out law passed, scheduling the closure of all reactors.
2022
Closure of newest reactors (Doel 4 & Tihange 3) delayed to 2035 amid security concerns.
May 2025
Parliament formally repeals the 2003 phase-out law, a major policy U-turn.
2035 & Beyond
Goal to reach 8 GW nuclear capacity, extending existing plants to 2045 and building new SMRs.
Renewable Energy Surge
Driven by ambitious targets and policy support, solar and wind capacity is expanding rapidly, reshaping the grid and creating new trading dynamics.
Installed Capacity Growth (2024 vs 2023)
Solar PV saw explosive growth in 2024, significantly outpacing onshore wind expansion and reinforcing its role as a key driver of renewable generation.
Projected Capacity Growth (GW)
Long-term projections show a massive increase in solar and wind capacity, signaling a future of heightened intermittency and greater need for flexibility solutions.
UK-Belgium Cross-Border Dynamics
High-capacity interconnectors for both power and gas are the lifelines of UK-Belgium energy trade, enabling arbitrage and enhancing security of supply for both nations.
⚡ Nemo Link (Electricity)
This 1,000 MW HVDC cable is the direct artery for power arbitrage. Its high availability ensures consistent opportunities to capitalize on price differentials between the UK and Belgian markets.
UK
1,000
MW Capacity
Bi-Directional Flow
BE
🔥 Interconnector (Gas)
A vital link for gas security, this pipeline's huge capacity allows it to meet over 25% of GB demand, with flows dictated by NBP vs. ZTP price spreads.
UK
25.5
bcm/yr Import
Bi-Directional Flow
BE
Future Outlook & Key Drivers
Belgium's path to 2050 is defined by the dual challenges of massive demand electrification and ambitious, yet challenging, decarbonization targets.
Projected Electricity Demand (TWh)
Driven by the electrification of heat, transport, and industry, demand is set to more than double by 2050, creating a structural need for imports and new generation.
The Impact of Carbon Pricing (ETS2)
From 2027, the new ETS2 will increase costs for fossil fuels in heating and transport, accelerating the shift to electrification and impacting consumer energy costs.