ENTSOG GRIP SNC 2014-2023

4.2.1 POWER PRODUCTION IN BELGIUM

As shown in Figure 4.6, the total gross electricity production in Belgium has seen a slight but progressive decrease from 2010 to 2012, where at the same time a com- parable increase in electricity import was marked. The same trend has been fol- lowed by near all energy sources, although natural gas (around a third of the total production) and nuclear (more than half of the total production) still retain key and leading roles in the power generation mix.

80000 GWh/y

60000

40000

20000

0

2009

2010

2011

2012

Natural Gas

Hydro

Wind

Solar

Oil

Solids

Nuclear

Other fossil fuels

Figure 4.6: Power Generation in Belgium by source 2009 – 2012 (ENTSOG elaborations on ENTSO-E data)

Among renewable sources, while for natural geological reasons hydroelectric pro- duction is retaining a limited role (around 2%), wind and solar have been increasing at impressive rates from 2009 to 2012 moving respectively from 1.2 to 3.9% and from 0.2 to 2.3%. The future evolution of the power generation breakdown will remain a strategic decision, based on the planned nuclear phase-out, electricity import developments, and capacity payment mechanisms for power plants.

Image courtesy of Fluxys Belgium

South-North Corridor GRIP 2014–2023 |

49