Belgium Belgium

Belgium maintains its ranking of 39th in this year’s CCPI. In the GHG Emissions, Renewable Energy, and Climate Policy categories, Belgium receives a medium, though it receives a very low in Energy Use.

Belgium aims to reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 47% by 2030 compared with 2005. The target aligns with current EU commitments but falls short of international climate agreements. Such agreements would require Belgium to reduce emissions by 60%. The CCPI country experts indicate the strength of the Belgian policy framework on GHG emissions lies in its overarching approach, as it covers sectors including energy, transport, industry, and agriculture. This makes it comprehensive enough but, unfortunately, not yet effective.

Transport sector emissions remain a major challenge

A positive aspect is that a new federal climate law establishes better monitoring of federal climate policy through an expert committee and annual reporting. A new mechanism was introduced to transparently and effectively use EU Emissions Trading System revenues.

However, Belgium’s GHG emissions policy has several shortcomings, including a lack of clarity and ambition in setting long-term emissions reduction strategies. The country’s federal structure also divides climate policy between the federal and regional governments, affecting the coherence of national climate efforts. Belgium’s official reduction target is 47%, but now this is not being met as Flanders (Belgium´s northern region) refuses to go beyond –40%, and the other entities are not compensating.

Transport sector emissions remain a major challenge, demanding cross-sectoral cooperation. Belgium’s policy framework needs stronger measures to promote sustainable, zero-emission transport options and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Industrial sector emissions also pose a challenge, especially in heavy industry.

The expansion of renewable energy is imperative

Belgium´s energy production relies largely on nuclear energy, as well as gas and a small but growing share of renewable energy. The country has closed two of its older nuclear power plants over the past two years. Three of the five remaining plants will be shut down in 2025. Two others are to be extended by 10 years to 2035, but the law change has not yet been discussed or voted on in parliament, and a final green light from the EU Commission is still to come. Therefore, the expansion of renewable energy is imperative, and the CCPI experts urge the Belgian government to set clear and ambitious targets for the renewable energy share in the energy mix, focusing on both the electricity and heating/cooling sectors. Integrating intermittent renewable energy sources such as wind and solar into the grid poses technical and operational challenges related to grid stability and the need for energy storage solutions. The experts indicate that upgrading and expanding the grid to accommodate a growing share of renewable energy sources should be prioritised. Nature-inclusive design and careful planning to avoid impacts on nature should also be among standard procedures when building renewable energy projects.

At the international level, the experts welcomed Belgium’s participation in the High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People in 2021 and its commitment to the 30×30 target, which aims to protect 30% of nature on land and 30% in the oceans.

Key Outcomes

  • Belgium maintains its ranking of 39th in this year’s CCPI
  • Belgium aims to reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 47% by 2030 compared with 2005
  • Key demands: clear and ambitious targets for the renewable energy share in the energy mix and stronger measures to promote sustainable zero-emission transport options and reduce dependence on fossil fuels

 

CCPI experts

The following national experts agreed to be mentioned as contributors for this year’s CCPI:

  • Koen Stuyck (WWF)

Key indicators

CCPI 2024: Target comparison