Energy in Belgium

Short term trading is done via the Belpex energy exchange, which is now part of APX-ENDEX.

Although currently there are only physical connections with the Netherlands and France, links with Germany (Alegro) and the United Kingdom (Nemo) are planned.

The last conventional coal units of the thermal power plants in Mol and Kallo were closed in March 2016.

Several power stations use a combined cycle including: Drogenbos, Amercoeur [fr], Tessenderlo.

Even though hydroelectric power was used extensively in Flanders prior to the industrial revolution, there are no rivers where it can be generated on a large scale.

[35] In 2010 the largest share (34%) of final energy was for domestic use (this includes: households, service sector, commerce, and agriculture).

Fossil fuels are also used as raw material in several manufacturing processes, this non-energetic use accounts for the remainder of the final energy.

[37] Sibelga invests in combined heat and power (CHP) installations for which it receives green certificates.

In 2011 its eleven installations had a combined capacity of 17.8 MWe and 19.7 MWth and generated 50.5 GWh of electricity.

[37] The Region of Brussels-Capital also encourages MicroCHP[38] and implemented the European directive of 2002/91/CE on Energy Performance of Buildings.

The companies Umicore, BASF, Solvay, Duferco, Tessenderlo Chemie [nl], ArcelorMittal, and Air Liquide together account for about 15% of the total electricity consumption of Belgium in 2006.

The Kyoto protocol sets a 7.5% reduction of greenhouse gas emission target compared to 1990.

Belgium set up a National Allocation Plan at the federal level with target for each of the three regions.

Belgium takes part in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and has ratified the Kyoto Protocol.

On 14 November 2002, Belgium signed the Cooperation Agreement for the implementation of a National Climate Plan and reporting in the context of the UNFCCC and the Kyoto protocol.

The second allocation plan was for the period 2008–2012 and aims a reduction of 7.5% of green house gas emissions compared to 1990.