Belgium has seen a marked increase in electricity imports from France, primarily fueled by the latter's significantly lower prices. Data from Elia, the country’s high-voltage grid operator, reveals Belgium imported 12.6 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity from France last year. This development is notable not only for its economic impact but also for the way it alters the dynamics of electricity production within Belgium.
The total electricity consumption for Belgium reached 80.5 TWh in 2024, slightly higher than the 78.9 TWh consumed the previous year. This figure still lags behind the average electricity usage recorded from 2017 to 2021, but it highlights the enduring reliance on electricity imports, particularly from France, where nuclear energy has continued to provide low-cost electricity. The availability of these nuclear plants significantly influenced Belgium's decision to import rather than generate power locally.
"The French nuclear park has rebounded after several difficult years. These plants have generated substantial amounts of electricity, often at prices cheaper than what we can produce ourselves," stated Marleen Van Hecke from Elia. This indicates not only the resilience of French nuclear energy but also its strategic impact on neighboring power markets like Belgium.
For the second consecutive year, Belgium has emerged as a net importer of electricity. This shift has especially affected local gas-powered electricity generation. Recent data highlights the historical low of gas-generated power, which only accounted for 17.6% of domestic output compared to over 25% the previous year. The changing market conditions have particularly disadvantaged gas production, which is squeezed by cheaper alternatives. Van Hecke pointed out, "Lower electricity prices from France are steering imports and pushing gas production out of the market. Factors such as persistently high gas prices, increasing renewable production, and gradually rising electricity consumption have also contributed to this trend."
Renewable energy sources are also making headway, with their share of the energy mix climbing from 28.2% to 29.8% over the year. Notably, solar energy production surged, with capacity increasing by 23%, contributing significantly to local outputs. "The increased solar capacity led to almost 8.3 TWh produced, up nearly 16% compared to last year, marking it as an absolute record," remarked Van Hecke.
While Belgium's reliance on imports continues to rise, the trend has clear future implications for energy strategy. The anticipated shutdowns of nuclear power plants like Doel 1, Doel 2, and Tihange 1 will likely alter the domestic generation balance even more. This could lead to increased import dependency when cheaper electricity from neighboring countries is available and regional electricity prices remain low.
Overall, this shift reflects broader trends across Europe as countries navigate energy production challenges and market fluctuations. The average price of electricity on the market has dropped significantly—by 28% this past year to about €70 per megawatt-hour—albeit still higher than levels recorded prior to the energy crisis caused by the geopolitical climate. Interestingly, negative pricing events also occurred, particularly during sunny and windy days when demand was low, highlighting the effects of renewable energy contributions on pricing dynamics.
Belgium’s significant importation of French electricity not only emphasizes the need for economic competitiveness but also raises questions about the sustainability and resilience of energy production strategies amid shifting market conditions. With France providing easy access to affordable electricity, it is likely to continue being the key power player for Belgium’s electricity demands as the country faces upcoming challenges from its own generation capacity.