The results of electricity provider Elia’s annual report aren’t yet complete. Still, it’s already clear that the production of renewables – wind and mainly solar energy in Belgium – will have reached a record high in 2025 – 22.4 TWh. This means that the share of renewable energy in the Belgian electricity mix is ​​now as high as that of nuclear energy – both 34%.

The results are based on data through Monday, December 22nd, supplemented with an estimate for the final few days of the year. The final figures are expected in the first quarter of 2026.

Sunny year

According to Elia’s data, solar energy production will have increased by about a fifth (21%) in 2025, possibly attributable to the expansion of installed capacity (+10%) and an exceptionally sunny year. June saw a record yield of 1.4 TWh.

The weather conditions were less favorable for wind energy. Despite increased capacity, production remained stuck at 12.3 terawatt hours (-2%). This brings the total renewable energy to a record 22.4 terawatt-hours (+7%), representing 34% of the Belgian energy mix.

Import exceeds export

The share of nuclear energy remains slightly higher but has fallen due to the closure of three nuclear reactors (Doel 1, Tihange 1, and Doel 2) this year. 

Nevertheless, atomic energy continued to account for more than a third of the Belgian production mix. However, the closure of three nuclear reactors has increased Belgium’s dependence on electricity imports.

Elia also reports that Belgium imported more electricity than it exported for the third consecutive year. The import comes from France and the Netherlands, while Belgium exports electricity to Germany, the United Kingdom, and Luxembourg. Belgium is increasingly becoming a crossroads of electricity flows.

The inflow mainly occurs when electricity is cheaper abroad than domestically. The total volume of international electricity exchanges between Belgium and neighbouring countries is 42 terawatt-hours.

Natural gas

Imports and renewable energy also prevented the prediction that Belgium would have to rely more on natural gas and the associated CO2 emissions from coming to fruition.

Natural gas consumption has only risen slightly this year after last year’s low and remains well below the levels expected in 2022 and 2023. Apparently, importing was cheaper than switching on the gas-fired power stations in Belgium, just as it was last year.

CRM

To accommodate the closure of part of the nuclear park, the high-voltage grid operator Elia launched the Capacity Compensation Mechanism (CRM). This auction must guarantee that sufficient production capacity is available.

Total electricity consumption in Belgium has mainly remained stable at 80.1 terawatt hours (-1%). However, significant increases in consumption are expected in the coming years as society electrifies. After 2030, there is a risk of substantial shortages due to anticipated increases in electricity demand.