Brussels wind solar and energy storage prospects

This growth trend is the same in Belgium. Installed solar power grew by 35 percent across the country in 2022, compared to a 14 percent increase in installed onshore wind and a stagnant offshore wind industry. In the sunniest months of 2022, solar supplied as much as 15 percent of Belgium's electricity.

In the sunniest months of 2022, solar supplied as much as 15 percent of Belgium's electricity. By contrast, onshore wind accounted for five percent of all electricity generated in Belgium last year and offshore wind for 7.5 percent — no increase in offshore wind farm production capacity is expected before 2027.

With nine offshore wind farms operational, Belgium is already the world's fourth largest offshore wind energy producer, behind the UK, Germany and China.

For context, Belgium's total electricity consumption in 2022 was 81.7 TWh. The rise in wind and solar is not massive, but it means that in 2022, for four percent of the year, half of Belgium's consumption needs were covered by renewables — double the figure for 2021, Elia says.

Contrary to previous policies, nuclear energy will play a crucial role in Belgium's future energy policy. The government has announced a program to revive Belgium's nuclear industry and repeal all provisions related to the nuclear phase-out and the ban on new capacity construction.

Despite the brief lease of life for Belgium's nuclear power plants last year, policymakers now agree that this is not a viable long-term energy source. As for Belgium's gas, it all imported as it has no natural gas resources.