The energy sector in Belgium has been one of the engines of economic development in the nineteenth century with the expansion of coal mining that contributed to the early industrialization of the country. However, Belgium is now completely dependent on foreign countries for its oil, gas, and to a lesser extent, electricity.
As in several other European countries, the sector has undergone a major reorganization during the last decade, which led to the liberalization of electricity and natural gas, but that caused a realignment of industry players, due to IPOs, takeovers and mergers.
Recent transactions have strengthened the control of major European companies such as EDG, GDF SUEZ and ENI, the supply of electricity and Gas to Belgium. This liberalization occurred in a context of fragmented regulation between the Belgian federal state and the three regions, which share the task of supervising the sector.
Note that the Market is liberalized but highly regulated.
History of liberalization in Belgium
- 2002 industrial market in the Flemish Region
- 07/2003 housing market in Flanders
- 01/2007 housing market in Wallonia and Brussels-Capital Region
Types of actors
- The managers of the distribution system (DRG): It maintains and makes available the cables and pipe leading electricity and gas to the end user. This activity is regulated and not subject to competition.
- Suppliers (Electrabel, Luminus, etc…) : sell electricity to the public
- The balance responsible
- Regulators (CWAPe (Commission Wallonne pour l’énergie) for Walloon Region)
- Producers
- Carriers (ELIA)
Challenges
The energy sector is also faced with major energy challenges of the early twenty-first century, such as :
- energy efficiency
- climate change
- increases in fuel prices
- transition to renewable energy
The question of the future of the Belgian nuclear industry and relevance to close plants inoperation are still a hot topic.
Source : <http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Énergie_en_Belgique>
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