Belgium's Renewables Dip in 2024: Lowest Energy Production in Six Years

In 2024, Belgium's renewable energy production decreased for the first time since 2016, with total electricity output hitting a six-year low. A decline in nuclear and gas-fired power contributed to this reduction, prompting increased reliance on imports from France and the Netherlands.

For the first time since 2016, Belgium witnessed a decline in its renewable energy production, with total electricity output in 2024 plummeting to a notable six-year low.

According to the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO-E), this decrease was largely attributed to a slash in nuclear energy production and minimal operation of gas-fired power stations. Less than 81 terawatt-hours were consumed, with 88 percent derived from domestic sources, marking a noticeable drop from the previous year's 98 percent.

Nuclear energy, while still Belgium's largest electricity source, continued its downward trajectory at 42 percent of the total energy mix. Furthermore, wind energy production contracted by 11 percent, steered by unfavorable weather conditions marked by heavy rainfall and insufficient wind. Interestingly, solar power hit a record high, forming 12 percent of the total production. Consequently, the nation increasingly turned to electricity imports from France and the Netherlands due to their cost-effectiveness.

(With inputs from agencies.)