Minister Calls for Focus on Efficiency, Renewable Energies

Belgium’s energy sector, which is an open market, is organized regionally, with the governments of Flanders, Wallonia and Brussels responsible for local policies while the federal government sets electricity and gas tariffs and oversees major energy infrastructure as well as nuclear-energy activities.

Paul Magnette Minister of Energy and Climate

Paul Magnette, Belgium’s Minister of Energy and Climate, has promised greater action to protect EU energy consumers during his country’s forthcoming presidency of the EU, and told fellow EU energy ministers at a recent conference in Spain that the liberalization process in the EU energy sector has not lived up to its promises. Magnette commented, “Now is the time to recognize the limits of energy liber-alization and to correct the mistakes.” He favors a mediator to compel energy companies to respect consumers’ rights as well as more focus on energy efficiency and renewable energy. He says, “Europe must support the creation of an ‘energy Airbus’ in the sectors of renewable, smart meters and electric vehicles.”

Oil remains the main energy source used overall in Belgium and gas is the main source employed by industry, but the renewable-energy-sources (RES) sector is growing steadily. Belgium offers incentives (which differ from region to region) to use the most cost-effec-tive energy technologies, as well as incentives for investment in renewable-energy projects. Biomass is traditionally strong, but both hydropower and onshore wind generation have shown significant growth in recent years. Belgium has instituted legislation to require all energy suppliers to offer a minimum proportion of RES, and has guaranteed minimum prices.

Elia

“We view Elia as the crossroads of electrical Europe.”

Daniel Dobbeni CEO

Elia is upgrading electricity infrastructure in Belgium and beyond. The company has been making major investments in increasing electricity connections with other European countries, and has developed Europe’s first cross-border control centre.

“We view Belgium as the crossroads of Europe and we view Elia as the crossroads of electrical Europe,” says Ronnie Belmans, Chairman of the Board. He adds, “We were the first company to make the necessary investments in installing new electricity transmission capacity.”

Led by CEO Daniel Dobbeni, Elia has been growing rapidly and has significantly expanded its electricity transmission infrastructure. These projects have not only benefited the grid users but have also provided a boost for the Belgian economy. “In the Belgian market, we have been very proactive in building up our electrical grid system, and we consider ourselves to be independent from the power plants.We are investing heavily in the grid system in Antwerp and towards the Belgian coast now, making it easier for newcomers to enter the market,” Belmans points out.

Cross-border energy projects

As for the future, Elia aims to implement a number of cross-border electricity transmission projects with Belgium as the hub, including cables to the United Kingdom and to Germany. “Belgium has the necessary knowledge, people and geography for this role,” Belmans believes. He adds, “Elia is very well equipped to make our plans a reality.”

Elia has positioned itself as a very attractive investment target offering good, stable returns. The company views the energy sector with a long-term perspective and sees increasing opportunities in alternative energies, including wind energy as well as in traditional power plants. Addressing potential investors, Belmans says, “There are a tremendous amount of business opportunities in the European energy sector.Looking at Elia, you will receive a very good return, and should view the company as a solid long-term investment. We are a company Belgium can be proud of.”