Belgium: Summary
Updated: 08.02.2019
Support schemes
In Belgium, energy is a matter of regional competence. However, there is one fiscal measure on the federal level that promotes the use of heat production from renewable energy source, namely the tax deduction on investment costs for companies.
Brussels
In the Brussels-Capital region, the generation of heat from renewable energy sources is promoted through energy subsidies as well as through investment assistance for companies.
Flanders
Regarding heating and cooling from renewable energy resources, the Flemish support scheme provides for a quota system. Grid operators and municipalities are responsible for setting up premium schemes.
Wallonia
In the Walloon region, the generation of heat through renewable energy plants is promoted through a system of energy subsidies, the granting of a zero-percent loan as well as through investment incentives for companies.
Policies
The following policies aim at promoting the development, installation and usage of RES-installations on the federal level in Belgium: There are training programmes for RES-installers, a certification scheme for heat pumps installations 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
According to the National Renewable Energy Action Plan for Belgium, the Brussels-Capital region has committed itself to reaching 30% of green energy in the total energy consumption of new public buildings. However, there is no regional certification programme for RES installations, no research, development and dissemination (RD&D) programmes and no building obligations for the use of renewable heating provided in the Brussels-Capital region.
Flanders
A number of policies are in place as of 2018, focusing on, amongst others, the certification of installers, RD&D and energy-efficient governmental buildings.
Wallonia
The following policies aim at promoting the development, installation and usage of RES-installations: A training programme as well as a quality label for RES-installers, two different research, development and dissemination (RD&D) programmes and a building obligation for the use of renewable heating. However, there is no regional certification programme for RES installations provided in the Walloon region.
Belgium