No risk of electricity supply shortages during winter but a possible price increase

No activation of the load shedding plan on the agenda

According to Elia, these analyses, based on current availability information, are “reassuring” for this winter. “The activation of the load shedding plan due to shortage is therefore not on the agenda,” according to the Belgian manager.

“Under normal conditions (average consumption, average wind energy production and average unavailability of production units), Belgium can meet energy demand in winter,” he says. In extreme conditions, due to a combination of factors, a greater import shortage is expected, Elia acknowledges, but it is “still manageable”. The company is also vigilant regarding the availability of nuclear power plants in France.

This analysis assumes that Doel 4 will be reconnected to the network in early December. And the analysis in the event that the power plant is unavailable for longer gives a “reassuring message”, we add at Elia. “We do not see any immediate problems for security of supply. However, there is a greater need for imports, which risks leading to an increase in prices,” warns the manager. There could also be an impact on Elia’s internal planning of works, but without external consequences.

At Engie, there is currently no update regarding Doel 4. The energy producer and supplier expects a restart at the end of November, according to its spokesperson.