Belgium: Overall Summary

In Belgium, electricity from renewable sources is promoted mainly through a quota system based on certificates trade. In general, renewable energy is devolved competence; only offshore wind power and hydropower are governed by national regulations. As far as the national promotion of heating and cooling is concerned, companies are eligible for a tax deduction on investment costs. Transport is a matter of federal competence in Belgium as well. The main support scheme for renewable energy sources used in transport is a quota system.

In Belgium electricity from renewable energy sources is given priority in both connection to and use of the grid. The grid users are not entitled to the expansion of the grid.

Several policies aim at promoting the development, installation and usage of RES-installations on the federal level in Belgium. These include training programmes for RES-installers as well as an indirect fiscal mechanism for research, development and demonstration (RD&D) programmes. Moreover, the exemplary role of public authorities is ensured through a public energy service company in charge of achieving and financing energy saving projects in public federal buildings.


Brussels

In the Brussels-Capital region, the production of electricity from renewable energy sources is promoted through the federal system of green certificates as well as through regional support schemes such as investment assistance for companies and net-metering. The generation of heat from renewable energy sources is promoted through energy subsidies as well as through investment incentives for companies.

In the Brussels-Capital region, access of electricity from renewable energy sources is basically regulated by the Brussels-Capital distribution grid code and by the regional electricity market ordinance. Electricity from renewable energy sources is given priority in both connection to and use of the grid.

Several policies aim at promoting the development, installation and usage of RES-installations, including RES obligations in new public buildings.  

Flanders

Flanders supports electricity from renewable energy sources by means of a quota system, an ecological premium and a net-metering scheme. Regarding heating and cooling from renewable energy resources, the Flemish support scheme provides for a quota system. Grid operators and municipalities are responsible for the setting up of premium schemes.

The access of electricity from renewable energy sources to the grid is regulated by the basic legislation on energy market and technical regulations by the Flemish Electricity and Gas Regulator (VREG). Electricity from renewable energy sources is given priority in both connection to and use of the grid. Distribution grid operators are obliged to finance grid expansion.

Diverse policies are currently under discussion. The level of implementation differs. On 28 September 2012, the Energy Regulation has been revised transposing the building obligations for heat from renewable energy into Flemish law. 


Wallonia

In the Walloon region, the generation of electricity through renewable energy plants is promoted through the federal system of green certificates as well as through regional support schemes such as investment assistance for companies or for public bodies and net-metering. The generation of heat through renewable energy plants is promoted through a system of energy subsidies, the granting of a zero-percent interest loan as well as through investment assistance for companies.

In the Walloon region, access of electricity from renewable energy sources is regulated by the Walloon grid code and by the regional electricity market decree. Electricity from renewable energy sources is given priority in both connection to and use of the grid.

Several policies aim at promoting the development, installation and usage of RES-installations, including training programmes for RES-installers; research, development and dissemination (RD&D) programmes; a building obligation for the use of renewable heating and a support scheme for the development of the RES-H infrastructure. Moreover, the Walloon government has developed a programme ensuring the exemplary role of public authorities. 

Electricity
Heating & Cooling
Transport
Belgium

Further information

  • Service Public Fédéral Economie, P.M.E., Classes moyennes et Energie - Federal Public Service Economy, S.M.E.s, Self-employed and Energy
  • +32 227 751 11
  • SPF website
  • info.eco(at)economie.fgov.be
  • Commission de Régulation de l'Electricité et du Gaz (CREG) / Commissie voor de Regulering van de Elektrciteit en het Gas – Federal Authority for the Regulation of Electricity and Gas
  • +32 228 976 11
  • CREG website
  • Ministre du Gouvernement de la Région de Bruxelles-Capitale, chargée du Logement, de la Qualité de Vie, de l’Environnement et de l'Energie - Minister of the Government of the Brussels-Capital region, responsible for Housing, Quality of Life, Environm
  • Céline Fremault
  • +32 25 08 79 11
  • website
  • http://be.brussels/brussels
  • Ministère de la Région de Bruxelles-Capitale, Administration de l'Economie et de l'Emploi (AEE) – Economy and Employment Administration of the Brussels-Capital region
  • +32 28 00 34 52
  • AEE website
  • info.eco(at)mrbc.irisnet.be
  • Bruxelles environnement IBGE : Administration de l'environnement et de l'énergie de la Région de Bruxelles-Capitale - Environment and Energy administration of the Brussels Capital region
  • +32 27 75 75 75
  • IBGE website
  • info(at)ibgebim.be
  • Vlaamse Regulator van de Elektriciteits- en Gasmarkt (VREG) – Flemish Electricity and Gas
  • +32 2 55 313 79
  • VREG website
  • info(at)vreg.be
  • Vlaamse Energieagentschap (VEA) – Flemish Energy Agency
  • +32 2 553 1700
  • VEA website
  • Service Public de Wallonie (SPW) Direction Générale opérationnelle de l'Energie (DGO4) – Public Service of the Walloon region – Directorate General for Energy (DG04)
  • + 32 81 48 63 11
  • SPW website
  • Service public de Wallonie - Direction générale opérationnelle de l'Economie, de l'Emploi & de la Recherche (DGO6) - Public Service of the Walloon region – Directorate General for Economy, Employment and Research (DGO6)
  • +32 81 33 40 79
  • DGO6 website
  • Commission Wallonne pour l'Energie (CWaPE) - Walloon Energy Commission
  • CWaPE website
  • + 32 81 33 08 10
  • SPF Santé publique, Sécurité de la Chaine Alimentaire et Environnement / Federale Overheidsdienst Volksgezondheid, Veiligheid van de Voedselketen en Leefmilieu – Federal Public service Health, Food Chain Safety and Environnement
  • +32 25 24 90 90
  • SPF website
  • fonctionnaire-information(at)health.fgov.be