20100228-IEA-Energy_Policies_of_IEA_Countries_Belgium_2009_Review_210页_6mb

Summary of the 2009 Review of Belgium's Energy Policies

Core Content

The 2009 Review of Belgium's Energy Policies, conducted by the International Energy Agency (IEA), evaluates the country's progress and challenges in achieving a clean, sustainable, and secure energy future. Belgium has made notable advancements in energy efficiency, reduced energy intensity and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and expanded the share of renewable energy in its supply mix. Market reforms in the electricity and gas sectors have advanced, and the country is playing an increasingly important role in energy security in northwest Europe due to its strategic location.

Main Views

Progress Made

• Energy Efficiency: Belgium has implemented various measures to improve energy efficiency, supported by increased public funding for research and development (R&D).
• Renewable Energy: The share of renewables in total primary energy supply has grown, although from a low base.
• Energy Security: Measures have been taken to reinforce energy security for different fuels, and an integrated emergency response policy is being developed.
• Market Reforms: Progress has been made in liberalising electricity and gas markets, including the unbundling of networks, the creation of a power exchange, and integration with neighboring markets.

Challenges

• Fragmentation and Duplication: The federal structure of Belgium leads to fragmented energy policy and duplication of efforts, reducing cost-effectiveness.
• Nuclear Phase-Out: The 2003 law mandating the phase-out of nuclear power by 2025 is being reconsidered due to changing energy, economic, and environmental conditions.
• Competition and Regulation: While retail markets have become more competitive, wholesale markets remain concentrated. The presence of four energy regulators adds complexity and may hinder market entry.
• Sustainability Targets: Belgium must meet EU 2020 targets for GHG reduction, renewable energy, and energy efficiency, despite the lack of binding targets for energy efficiency.

Key Information

Energy and Environmental Policies

• Belgium aims to reduce GHG emissions by 15% below 2005 levels by 2020, primarily in sectors outside the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (EU-ETS).
• The share of renewable energy in final energy consumption is expected to rise from 2.2% in 2005 to 13% in 2020.
• A separate target exists for renewable energy in transport, requiring it to cover 10% of demand by 2020.

Institutional Framework

• Federal Level: The Minister of Climate, Energy, Sustainable Development and Customer Protection oversees energy and climate policies. The Directorate-General for Energy is the key administration responsible for developing and implementing energy policy.
• Regional Level: Each of the three regions (Flanders, Wallonia, Brussels-Capital) has its own energy minister and regulatory bodies.
• Energy Regulators: The Electricity and Gas Regulatory Commission (CREG) is the national energy regulator, while regional regulators include VREG (Flanders), CWaPE (Wallonia), and Brugel (Brussels-Capital).

Policy Coordination

• The CONCERE/ENOVER platform facilitates cooperation between federal and regional governments.
• The FORBEG forum supports dialogue among energy regulators on issues such as technical standards, tariffs, and market strategies.

Recommendations

1. Develop a Comprehensive National Strategy: The government should create a strategy that addresses both energy security and climate change, and re-evaluate the nuclear phase-out policy.
2. Harmonise Policies: There is a need for better coordination and harmonisation of energy policies across federal and regional levels.
3. Strengthen Emergency Response: The government should accelerate the development of an integrated emergency response policy for all fuels.
4. Ensure Compliance with Stockholding Obligations: Immediate action is needed to ensure future compliance with oil stockholding requirements.
5. Enhance Market Transparency: Streamline planning procedures and increase market transparency to attract investment in new generation capacity.
6. Promote Competitive Markets: Continue market liberalisation and improve the competitive environment in the wholesale segment of the electricity and gas markets.

Conclusion

Belgium has made commendable progress in its energy policies, but it still faces significant challenges. A comprehensive, long-term strategy is essential to ensure the country meets its sustainability and energy security goals. Better coordination between federal and regional levels, along with a more coherent regulatory framework, will be critical to achieving these objectives. The IEA encourages Belgium to continue its efforts in building a sustainable and secure energy future.