In Belgium, from August 2024 to July 2025, the electricity consumption has seen a promising tilt towards low-carbon sources. Approximately 70% of Belgium's electricity is derived from low-carbon energy, with nuclear power contributing a significant 35%, making it more than half of the low-carbon share. Meanwhile, wind and solar energy also hold strong positions, generating around 15% and 13% respectively. In contrast, fossil fuels account for roughly 18% of the electricity mix, nearly all of which is from gas. While net imports contribute a small portion to the country's electricity, closer to 5%, biofuels and hydropower add up to almost 7% combined. This clear inclination towards clean energy sources like nuclear, wind, and solar is a positive step toward a more sustainable energy future for Belgium.
Is Electricity Growing in Belgium?
Despite the growing share of clean energy, Belgium's overall electricity consumption has declined compared to past years, which might be a cause for concern as it reflects a broader stagnation in energy consumption. The latest data indicate that electricity consumption has decreased to 6,279 kWh per person from a previous high of 9,079 kWh per person in 2006—a drop of about 2,800 kWh per person. Similarly, low-carbon electricity generation also saw a reduction, dropping to 4,412 kWh per person from a peak of 6,315 kWh per person recorded in 2021, reflecting a decrease of almost 1,900 kWh per person. This suggests that Belgium is currently not keeping pace with the necessary growth in clean electricity to meet future demands, especially as global electrification and technological advancements continue to rise.
Suggestions
To counter this stagnation and elevate its low-carbon electricity generation, Belgium should consider expanding its existing nuclear and solar capacities along with wind energy. Learning from regions such as France and Slovakia, where nuclear power constitutes 69% and 64% of the electricity mix respectively, Belgium can further harness its nuclear potential for cleaner electricity. Similarly, regions like Iowa and Denmark, where wind energy contributes more than half of their electricity needs, provide valuable insights into maximizing wind power. By partnering these strategies with an increase in solar energy, countries like Lebanon, where solar constitutes 31% of electricity, and Greece with 25%, can serve as benchmarks. Such comprehensive approaches can ensure Belgium's path to an enhanced low-carbon electricity future.
History
In examining the historical trends of low-carbon electricity in Belgium, particularly nuclear energy, it's noteworthy that the late 20th century experienced significant growth. Notable increases took place in the mid-1970s and 1980s, with substantial year-on-year growth, for instance, 8.4 TWh in 1983 and 6.9 TWh in 1985. However, more recent years highlighted fluctuations, with significant declines in nuclear electricity observed in 2012, 2014, and 2015, followed by more robust gains in 2016 and 2019. Unfortunately, the trend has once again turned downward since 2020, with annual reductions in nuclear generation becoming a cause for concern. Wind energy showed potential with a positive adjustment of 3.3 TWh in 2020, although a decrease was recorded in 2025. To revitalize its clean electricity landscape and mitigate the impacts of these declines, Belgium should prioritize the expansion and modernization of its nuclear and solar infrastructures. Such an approach will better position Belgium in the fight against climate change and align its electricity generation with modern clean energy objectives.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.