Are we prepared to ensure our future consumption, particularly in electricity?
Belgian
+130 %
Network manager Elia estimates that by 2050, electricity demand will increase to this unprecedented proportion.
10 ans
The time frame that must be taken into account to develop an electricity production and transmission infrastructure.
From 55 to 80%
The share of energy of electrical origin that will be consumed in 2050. Electricity will therefore be the majority in our Belgian energy mix.
From 12 to 38%
This is what gas will represent in 2050 in total energy demand.
2035
The date our nuclear power plants will stop operating. Current sources of electricity will not be sufficient to meet the demand for electricity.
If Belgium wants to keep as many cards as possible, new political choices will be necessary. The gradual abandonment of fossil fuels will shake up the Belgian energy landscape over the next 25 years. Without this, dependence on imports will only increase. Elia, the network manager, therefore attracts the attention of the country’s political leaders. Alternatives to imports – and therefore dependence – exist and choices will have to be made by the authorities to determine Belgium’s energy mix for the period 2030-2050. Would we want more offshore wind and solar power? Will we invest in new generation nuclear power plants? Elia puts the different avenues on the table of political decision-makers. The sooner the country is fixed on its energy priorities, the faster and at a lower cost it will be able to adapt the Belgian electricity network to the future reality. Domestic renewable production is insufficient in the long term, notes Elia. However, Belgium would have every interest in developing its photovoltaic and wind potential as much as possible.
