COMMISSION STAFF WORKING DOCUMENT Country Factsheet Belgium Accompanying the document COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, THE COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE, THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS AND THE EUROPEAN INVESTMENT BANK State of the Energy Union
Date: 2015-11-18
Institutions: European Commission, Secretariat-General
Subjects: Belgium, competitiveness, economic and social cohesion, electrical energy, energy policy, gas, innovation, reduction of gas emissions, regional cooperation, single market

EN 

   EN 

   EUROPEAN COMMISSION  Brussels, 18.11.2015  SWD(2015) 209 final   COMMISSION STAFF WORKING DOCUMENT Country Factsheet Belgium Accompanying the document COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, THE COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE, THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS AND THE EUROPEAN INVESTMENT BANK State of the Energy Union {COM(2015) 572} {SWD(2015) 208} {SWD(2015) 217 à 243}  
 
 
Towards an Energy Union  
           Belgium

Macroeconomic relevance of energy 

IMPORTANCE OF THE ENERGY SECTOR 

The share of the energy sector in total value added is higher than that for the EU27, while the share 
in total  employment  is  considerably  lower  than  that  for  the  EU  as  a  whole. The importance of  the 
sector  has  notably  increased  during  the  period  2005-2012,  most  strongly  in  terms  of  value  added 
generated but also in terms of employment. 

Source: EUROSTAT – National Accounts 

According to EurObserv'ER, in 2013, the share 
of  direct  and 
indirect  renewable  energy 
related  employment  in  total  employment  of 
the  economy  in  Belgium  was  at  about  0.47%, 
slightly below the EU average of 0.53%. 

Source:  European  Commission,  based  on  EurObserv'ER  and 
EUROSTAT 

TRADE BALANCE OF ENERGY PRODUCTS 

The energy trade balance deficit of Belgium represents 3.9% of GDP in 2014, which is more than 50% 
higher  than  the  EU  average.  The  deficit  is  mainly  based  on  net  imports  of  oil  and  natural  gas.  The 
deficit has decreased by about 25% during 2006-2013; the composition of its drivers has remained 
relatively constant. 

0.00.40.81.21.62.02.420052012BEEU27Value added of energy sector% of grossvalue added (total economy)0.00.10.20.30.40.50.620052012BEEU27Employment in energy sector% of total employment 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
Towards an Energy Union - Belgium 

Source: EUROSTAT 
Note: Current account balance for EU28 from European Commission (AMECO) 

1. Energy Security, solidarity and trust 

ENERGY MIX 

The energy mix of Belgium differs from the one of the EU-28 by a lower share of coal and other solid 
fuels,  a  lower  share  of  renewable  energy  and  a  higher  share  of  petroleum  products  and  nuclear. 
Compared to 1995, the share of renewables in Belgium increased more than EU average (from less 
than 1% to 6% of the energy mix), while the share of natural gas increased by 6 percentage points. 
The main decrease concerns the use of solid fuels (11 percentage points). 

Gross inland energy consumption in 2013  

Source: European Commission, based on EUROSTAT  

IMPORT DEPENDENCY 

Although  it  improved  since  1995,  Belgium  remains  with  an  import  dependency1 above  the  EU 
average  for  all  fuels,  and  in  particular  for  gas  and  petroleum  products.  Belgium  imports  all  of  its 

1   Note: A dependency rate in excess of 100% indicates that energy products have been stocked. 

2 

-5-4-3-2-10123BEEU28% of GDPCoalOilElectricityGasC. A. BalanceTrade balance of energy product and currentaccount balance, 2008 -5-4-3-2-10123BEEU28% of GDPCoalOilElectricityGasC. A. BalanceTrade balance of energy product and currentaccount balance, 2014 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                                 
Towards an Energy Union - Belgium 

natural gas, with Norway as its largest non-EU supplier2. A part of the imports concern transit as gas 
transfers  represent  more  than  four  times  the  Belgian  domestic  use.  Overall,  the  country  supplier 
concentration index is relatively high for Belgium. It experiences an above EU average energy import 
dependency, expressed as percentage of GDP.  

Source: European Commission, based on EUROSTAT  

2. A fully-integrated internal energy market 

INTERCONNECTIONS 

The interconnection level for electricity was 17% in 2014 for Belgium, 
which  is  above  the  2020  and  2030  targets  at  the  EU  level.  Due  to 
changes in the generation mix and retirement of generation capacity, 
risks for security of supply will increase in the coming years. Increased 
cooperation with neighbouring countries, the timely realisation of the 
Alegro interconnection project with Germany and the NEMO project 
with  the  UK,  and  demand  side  response  are  required  to  tackle  such 
risks, as well as a stable regulatory framework and market design that 
encourage 
increased 
efficiency. 

in  electricity  production  and 

investments 

Belgium  occupies  a  strategic  position  in  the  European  gas  grids  and 
serves as an important transit country, attracting  international trade 
as  a  collection  of  connection  points  of  several  pipelines  and  has  an 
important  LNG 
(in  Zeebrugge),  which  contributes 
significantly to the security of supply in North-West Europe. Belgium 
is well interconnected with its neighbours.  

terminal 

Source: European Commission based 
on ENTSO-E scenario outlook and 
adequacy forecast 2014 
Note: Reference to 2030 target is 
based on October 2014 European 
Council conclusions stating that 
"the Commission will also report 
regularly to the European Council 
with the objective of arriving at a 
15% target by 2030" 

2  

Top non-EU gas suppliers table is based on EUROSTAT data. The share of imports from non-EU countries is calculated 
as the ratio between volumes of  imports from that specific non-EU supplier and total imports  (from EU and non-EU 
countries). 

3 

Top non-EU gas suppliers in 2013 (% in total imports)BelgiumEuropean Union country[%]country[%]Norway33.6Russia39.0Qatar8.6Norway29.5Algeria9.7Qatar6.780%78%101%102%101%101%52%53%82%87%57%65%200520132005201320052013All fuelsPetroleum andproductsNatural gasBEEU28Import dependency 2013 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                                 
Towards an Energy Union - Belgium 

ELECTRICITY AND GAS MARKETS 

Market concentration index for power generation (left) 
and gas supply (right)  (Herfindahl index – 10000 means 
monopoly) 

Sources:ESTAT and European Commission Calculations 

Sources: European Commission based on ESTAT, CEER and Platts 
Power Vision 

The level of market concentration remains high for power generation, but improved significantly for 
gas.  The  very  high  switching  rate  of  consumers  tends  to  reduce  the  market  share  of  incumbent 
suppliers. However the market concentration remains high at retail level for both electricity and gas. 
Wholesale gas and electricity prices are close to EU average. Domestic retail prices for electricity are 
above the EU average and domestic gas prices are only slightly above the EU. As far as electricity is 
concerned,  the  average  price  in  Belgium  has  been  following  the  average  price  in  the  neighbouring 
countries  since  2013.  The  average  gas  price  in  Belgium  remains  constant  at  approximately  1 
EUR/MWh above the average of the neighbouring countries. Consumer assessment of the retail gas 
and electricity markets is above EU average (11th position in the EU ranking)3. 
Given  the  outcome  of  the  cost-benefit  analysis,  the  Belgian  regions  have  so  far  not  decided  to 
proceed with the wide-scale roll-out of smart meters in the electricity and gas markets.  

CONTRIBUTION OF ENERGY TO CONSUMER PRICE EVOLUTION 

Consumer price inflation has decreased more or less in line with the Euro area average since 2011. In 
Belgium the contribution of the energy items to the headline inflation rate has been negative since 
2013, whereas for the Euro area as a whole the contribution was still positive in 2013. 

Source: DG ECFIN based on Eurostat 

3  
http://ec.europa.eu/consumers/consumer_evidence/consumer_scoreboards/10_edition/index_en.htm 

10th Consumer Markets Scoreboard (June 2014),   

4 

-2024620052007200920112013% increase on a year earlierNon EnergyEnergyAll itemsBelgium : Price evolution & the contribution of energy prices-2024620052007200920112013% increase on a year earlierNon EnergyEnergyAll itemsEA : Price evolution & the contribution of energy prices 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                                 
Towards an Energy Union - Belgium 

VULNERABLE CONSUMERS 

issues. 

fuel  poverty 

Based on a EUROSTAT survey on income and 
living  conditions,  three  proxy  indicators  are 
used  to  assess 
In 
Belgium,  the  percentage  of  households  with 
potential  fuel  poverty  issues  is  below  EU-
average. 
customers 
number 
benefiting from social tariffs remained stable 
compare to 2011 (400.000 for electricity and 
230.000 for gas). 

The 

of 

 Source: European Commission, based on on EUROSTAT SILC survey 

3. Energy Efficiency and moderation of energy demand 

ENERGY EFFICIENCY TARGET 2020  
(43.7 Mtoe primary energy and 32.5 Mtoe final energy) 

in 

Belgium’s  2020  energy  efficiency 
target  is  43.7  Mtoe  expressed  in 
primary  energy  consumption  (32.5 
Mtoe  expressed 
final  energy 
consumption). If the trend in primary 
energy consumption observed in the 
period  2005-2013  continues  up  to 
2020,  Belgium  will  be  at  risk  of  not 
meeting  its  national  target.  Belgium 
has  to  increase  its  current  efforts 
regarding 
to 
further  decrease  its  current  primary 
energy  consumption  (47.4  in  2013) 
to reach its ambitious 2020 target.  

efficiency 

energy 

 Source:  European  Commission,  based  on  EUROSTAT  and  on  national  energy 

efficiency targets as declared by the MS under the Energy Efficiency Directive 

ENERGY INTENSITY 

Primary energy intensity in Belgium has decreased from 2005, although it remains slightly above the 
EU average. A high energy intensity reduction is recorded in the industrial sector, i.e. about 16,1% 
between  2005  and  2013,  significantly  more  than  the  average  energy  intensity  reduction  in  the 
EU28.  The  lowering  of  the  industrial  sector’s  energy  intensity  is  mainly  due  to  a  reduction  in  the 
energy  use  of  the  iron  and  steel  sectors  whilst  at  the  same  time  this  sector  has  known  a  small 
increase  in  its  value  added.  Another  factor  is  the  gradual  shift  from  chemistry  towards 
pharmaceutics, of which the latter is less energy intensive. 

5 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Towards an Energy Union - Belgium 

Primary energy intensity of the economy  

Final energy intensity in industry 

Source: European Commission based on  EUROSTAT and European 

Commission/AMECO 

Source:  PRIMES  model  background  data  and  estimations  based 
on EU Commission and EU MS inputs 

Final  energy  intensity  in  the  residential  sector  in  Belgium  (as  reported  at  GDP  constant  prices 
Euro2010)  decreased  by  more  than  20%  between  2005  and  2013,  but  it  is  still  above  the  EU 
average.  Concerning  the  energy  efficiency  of  buildings,  the  policy  package  currently  in  place  in 
Belgium comprises regulatory instruments, economic and financial incentives as well as information 
tools and advice.  

The  specific  energy  intensity  of  passenger  cars  remained  stable.  The  specific  energy  intensity  for 
freight  transport  increased  consistently  between  2000-2010  (by  34%),  showing  a  deteriorating 
trend.  

Energy intensity in residential sector  

Energy intensity for passenger cars and freight transport4 

Source: European Commission based on Odyssee 
database (estimates of floor area at country level) 

Source: PRIMES model background data and estimations based on EU 
Commission and EU MS inputs   

EU legislation sets mandatory CO2 emission reduction standards for new cars and vans. By 2021, the 
fleet average to be achieved by all new cars is 95 grams of CO2 per kilometre. For new vans, the fleet 
average is set at 147 g/km by 2020. 

Source: European Environmental Agency. 2014 values are provisional. 2013 EU average refers to EU-27. 

4  

Statistics  on  energy  demand  for  passengers  and  freight  transport  are  not  available  and  model  estimates  have  been 
used instead. These issues should be borne in mind when comparing energy intensity in freight or passenger transport 
between Member States, which should be regarded as merely indicative. 

6 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                                 
Towards an Energy Union - Belgium 

Regarding transport performance, in EU-28 the domestic freight modal shares are 71% by road, 17% 
by rail, 7% by inland waterways and 5% by pipelines. The respective inland passenger modal shares 
are  82%  by  passenger  car,  9%  by  buses  and  coaches,  7%  by  railways  and  2%  by  tram  and  metro. 
Compared  to  the  European  average,  Belgium  reports  a  higher  use  of  inland  waterways  in  freight 
transport, given the existence of navigable rivers and canals in the country. 

Modal share Belgium 

Source:  Eurostat  and  EU  transport  in  figures  2015.  Data  refers  to  2013.  Modal  shares  based  on  tonne-kilometres  for  freight  sector  and 
passenger-kilometres for passenger sector, freight data based on activity within country territory. Estimates are made when data is missing. 

4. Decarbonisation of the economy 

NON-ETS GHG EMISSION REDUCTION TARGET 2020  
(-15% by 2020 as compared to 2005 in the non-ETS sector) 

non-ETS 

in  2014 

(based  on  2014 
Emissions 
approximated data) decreased by 10% with 
respect  to  2005.  According  to  its  2015 
projections, 
are 
expected  to  be  below  the  relevant  targets 
on  average  over  the  2013-2020  period. 
However, Belgium is expected to exceed its 
greenhouse  gas  emission  reduction  target 
in  2020,  with  a  6%  gap  as  compared  to 
2005.  

emissions 

Source: European Commission  based on EEA.. Based on preliminary data. 
ESD (Effort Sharing Decision) emissions are the emissions from sectors not 

covered by the EU ETS 

Emissions 

Non-ETS 
(vs. 2005) 
Projections with 
existing measures 
2020 
Proxy 2014 

Projections/proxy 

target 

-9% 

-15% 

-10% 

-3% 

The absence of an agreement between the federal and regional authorities on the distribution of the 
effort  needed  to  reduce  emissions  hinders  more  affirmative  action.  Significant  progress  has  been 
made in this regard recently, with negotiaions reaching the final phases. For example, revenues from 
the auctioning of ETS allowances cannot be mobilised for climate and energy related purposes in the 
absense of such an agreement. There is furthermore ample scope to shift the tax burden away from 
labour  towards  more  growth  friendly  taxes,  including  environmental  taxes.  Flanders  is  working  
(2016) on an adjustment of the BIV (a tax for new cars) and road tax in order to green the car park. 
Belgium's revenues from environmentally related taxes are among the lowest in the EU. In particular, 
the  favourable  tax  treatment  of  company  cars  in  personal  income  taxation  entails  a  considerable 
budgetary cost and encourages the use of cars, which creates harmful environmental and economic 

7 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Towards an Energy Union - Belgium 

effects in terms of congestion costs and pollution.   

8 

 
 
 
 
 
Towards an Energy Union - Belgium 

RENEWABLE ENERGY SHARE TARGET 2020 (13%) 

Belgium made good progress in renewables 
development. The renewables share in final 
energy  consumption  reached  8  %  in  2013, 
thus  Belgium  had  already  exceeded 
its 
2013/14  interim  targets  as  set  out  in  the 
Renewable  Energy  Directive.  However, 
additional  progress  is  still  needed  to  reach 
the 2020 target.  

Source: European Commission based on  EUROSTAT 

GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSION  INDICATORS 

 

 

In  Belgium  the  share  of  emissions  of  the  industrial  sector  in  2012  are  higher  than  the  EU 
average, while the share of emissions of the power industry is lower than EU average (higher 
use of nuclear). 
In 2014 the revenues from the auctioning of ETS allowances amounted to 97.1 millions euro. 
However,  In  the  absence  of  an  agreement  between  the  federal  and  regional  authorities, 
these revenues cannot be used to finance climate change mitigation action. 

Largest Sectors of GHG Emissions in 
2012 (*) 

Belgium 

EU 
Average 

EU ETS auctioning revenues in 
2014 (EUR millions) 

97.1 

3205 

GHG Emissions 

Belgium 

EU 

Energy/power industry  

Transport 

Industry  

Agriculture (incl. forestry & fishery) 

Residential & Commercial 

Waste & others 

20% 

21% 

28% 

10% 

20% 

1% 

33% 

20% 

19% 

12% 

13% 

3% 

(*)Sectoral breakdown for 2013 data not available. 

Share of ETS emissions in 2013 

38% 

42% 

10.7 

GHG emissions/capita in 2013 
(tCO2equivalent) 
Carbon intensity of economy in 
2013 (tCO2equivalent/EUR 
millions) 
Source: European Commission  based on EEA 

320 

8.5 

328 

ENERGY & TRANSPORT TAXATION 

Energy and transport related taxes as a share of GDP amount to 2.0%, which is lower than the EU-
average. This is mainly due to comparatively low taxation of transport fuel and heat and electricity, 
while  taxation  on  transport  vehicles  is  above  average.  The  overall  tax  burden  on  energy  has  fallen 
between 2005 and 2012, which relates to the taxation of transport fuels and vehicles. Company cars 
and gasoline cars benefit from a favourable tax treatment in personal income taxation. 

9 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Towards an Energy Union - Belgium 

Source: Eurostat 

5. Research, innovation and competitiveness 

RESEARCH AND INNOVATION 

Belgium is below EU average, in line with the US and below Japan and South Korea in terms of public 
support share allocated to research and innovation in the field of energy and environment. In terms 
of  intensity  of  low-carbon  technologies  patents,  Belgium  is  behind  the  EU  average  and  main 
worldwide partners.  

Source: European Commission based on  EUROSTAT   

COMPETITIVENESS 

The real unit energy costs, that is the amount of 
money  spent  on  energy  sources  needed  to 
obtain one unit of value added, has increased in 
the Belgian manufacturing industry since 2000. It 
has  also  remained  much  higher  in  Belgium  than 
in the EU27 or in the US. One explaining factor is 
intensity 5  of  the 
the  relatively  high  energy 
manufacturing sector.  
Regarding  energy  prices  paid  by 
industrial 
customers, electricity prices are slightly below EU 
average,  at 
levels  similar  to  OECD  average. 
Regarding  gas,  prices  are  among  the  lowest  in 
the  EU  and  remain  lower  than  major  non-EU 

Real unit energy costs (% of value added) 

Source: European Commission 

5  

The  energy  intensity  presented  here  is  derived  from  Use  Tables  of  WIOD,  see  "Energy  Economic  Developments  in 
Europe SWD(2014)19". 

10 

0.01.02.03.0BEEU-28Energy & Transport related taxes % of GDP, 2005TransportvehiclesTransport fuelHeat &Electricity0.01.02.03.0BEEU-28Energy & Transport related taxes % of GDP, 2012TransportvehiclesTransport fuelHeat &Electricity12.39.58.217.013.28.820.213.78.00510152025BEEU27US200020092011 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                                 
Towards an Energy Union - Belgium 

trade partners, except the US and Canada.  

Source: European Commission based on EUROSTAT and IEA 

6. Post-2020 Energy and Climate policy Strategy  

COMPREHENSIVE MEDIUM TO LONG-TERM STRATEGY (post-2020) 
FOR CLIMATE AND ENERGY  

  Belgium  has  not  yet  established  a  strategy  for  energy  and  climate  covering  the  post-2020 
period. Several studies are being performed by the different Belgian entities to develop such 
strategy.  Current  strategies  in  the  different  regions  focus  on  achieving  the  2020  targets, 
while also referring to the 2050 long-term objectives. Belgium is also preparing a Low Carbon 
Development Strategy. 

  The  federal  government  has  published  in  2012  a  long  term  policy  vision  on  sustainable 
increased  share  of  renewable  energies,  decarbonisation  of 
development,  covering: 
electricity,  improved  energy  efficiency,  increased  energy  security,  greater  accessibility  of 
energy  services,  and  greenhouse  gas  emission  reduction  by  80-95%  by  2050  compared  to 
1990. Moreover, a binding plan has been set out at the federal level which envisages nuclear 
phase-out by 2025. 

  The  federal  government  plans  to  establish  an  'energy  pact',  underpinned  by  a  common 
energy vision with the regions, and through consultation with stakeholders. The overarching 
goal of the pact would be to guarantee the supply of clean and affordable energy for the next 
20-25 years. 

  Belgium has not yet reached an agreement for an internal burden sharing for the key climate 
and energy objectives. The negotiations have gained momentum recently, and an agreement 
seems within reach. A climate responsibility mechanism among regions has started in 2015. 
The mechanism consists in determining a multiannual reference trajectory for the reduction 
of  greenhouse  gas  emissions  for  each  region  until  2030  for  the  residential  and  tertiary 
building sector (excluding industrial buildings). 

Objectives, 
2030-2050 

GHG 
reduction  

NATIONAL TARGETS, especially for 2030 

Targets 

Comments 

(for 

 

 

No 
2030) 

Policy 
vision 

The federal Royal Decree on the Long Term Policy Vision on Sustainable 
Development includes the policy vision objective to reduce Belgian GHG 
emissions domestically by at least 80 to 95% in 2050 compared to 1990. 
The  Walloon  climate  decree  establishes  objectives  of  GHG  emissions 
reductions of 80-95% by 2050 compared to 1990.  

11 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Towards an Energy Union - Belgium 

objectives 
for 2050 

 

The  Flemish  2013-2020  Climate  Policy  Plan  refers  to  the  EU  2050 
objective to reduce emissions by 80% to 95% compared to 1990 (draft 
Flemish Mobility plan: aim to reduce by 16% by 2030 compared to 2005 
in the transport sector). 

  Brussels-Capital  Region  has  decided  to  reduce  the  domestic  GHG 
emissions by 30% by 2025 compared to 1990, to accentuate the current 
trend in order to move towards a reduction of 80 to 95% in 2050 
The  Walloon  region  has  established  green  certificate  envelopes  until 
2024 to give investors a clear vision. 

 

Renewable 
energy  
Energy 
Efficiency 
savings 

No 

No 

/ 

7. Regional cooperation  

Regional  cooperation  on  infrastructure  development  is  necessary  to  optimise  the  identification  of 
regional infrastructure priorities and to coordinate cross-border investments. Belgium is a member of 
three  Regional  Groups  which  have  been  established  under  the  TEN-E  Regulation:  Northern  Seas 
Offshore  Grid,  North  South  Electricity  Interconnections  in  Western  Europe,  and  North  South  Gas 
Interconnections 
in  the 
establishment of a thematic group on cross-border carbon dioxide network 

is  also  supporting  and  participating 

in  Western  Europe.  Belgium 

Belgium  is  a  member  of  the  Pentalateral  Energy  Forum,  created  in  2005  by  Energy  Ministers  from 
Benelux, Germany and France (and extended to Austria as full member in 2011 and Switzerland as an 
observer)  in  order  to  promote  collaboration  on  cross-border  exchange  of  electricity.  It  is  an  inter-
governmental  initiative,  whose  mission  consists  of  improving  control  of  the  cross-border  network 
and  harmonising  allocation  methods  using  information  exchange  between  regulators  and  network 
managers in participating countries. Belgium has signed the Declaration for Regional Cooperation on 
Security of Supply in the framework of the Internal Market on 8 June 2015 to improve cooperation 
among neighbouring  countries on national energy  policies and  actively  participates  in  the German-
led  round-table  with  12  neighbouring  countries.  Belgium  is  also  a  member  of  the  Gas  Platform 
(Benelux,  Germany  and  France)  where  further  market  integration  and  the  upcoming  Regulation 
regarding security of supply and the coordinating of the emergency response plans are discussed. 

Benelux cooperation in the field of energy mainly takes place through the Pentalateral Energy Forum, 
the  Gas  Platform  and  the  North  Seas  Countries’  Offshore  Grid  Initiative.  The  Benelux  Secretariat 
General also acts as a secretariat for these 3 initiatives.  

8. Cohesion policy contribution  

The  EU  Cohesion  policy  provides  investment  possibilities  to  implement  energy  policy  objectives  in 
Belgium which will be complemented by national public and private co-financing, aiming at optimal 
leverage. It also ensures integrated territorial solutions to challenges by supporting capacity building, 
technical assistance and territorial cooperation. 

Energy  efficiency:  Over  2014-2020,  EU  Cohesion  Policy  will  invest  some  EUR  114  million  in  energy 
efficiency  improvements  in  public  and  residential  buildings  and  in  enterprises,  as  well  as  in  high-
efficiency  cogeneration  and  district  heating  in  Belgium.  A  further  estimated  EUR  65  million  will  be 
invested in supporting the move towards an energy-efficient, decarbonised transport sector. These 
investments  are  expected  to  contribute  to  around  540  households  with  improved  energy 

12 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Towards an Energy Union - Belgium 

consumption  classification  and  a  decrease  of  around  420  000  kWh  per  year  of  decreased  primary 
energy consumption of public buildings. 

Decarbonisation:  Overall,  the  EU  Cohesion  Policy  investments  in  Belgium  over  2014-2020  are 
expected to contribute to an estimated annual decrease of GHG of around 11 000 tonnes of CO2eq. 
Over 2014-2020, EU Cohesion Policy will invest some EUR 22 million in renewable energy in Belgium. 
These investments are expected to contribute to around 10 MW of additional capacity of renewable 
energy production. 

Research,  Innovation  and  Competitiveness:  Over  2014-2020,  EU  Cohesion  Policy  will  invest 
significantly  in  R&I  and  in  SME  competitiveness  in  Belgium.  This  will  be  based  on  the  regional 
strategies for smart specialisation. For Belgium, the strategies include a focus on sustainable energy 
and low-carbon economy. At this stage, at least EUR 14 million is foreseen for investments in R&I and 
adoption  of  low-carbon  technologies  in  Belgium,  but  this  might  increase  further  in  line  with  the 
evolving content of the smart specialisation strategy.  

13