Belgium

Belgium rises 10 places to 39th in this year’s CCPI. In the GHG Emissions and Energy Use categories, Belgium receives a low rating, with a medium in Renewable Energy and Climate Policy – two categories in which it received a low last year.

Belgium has abandoned coal for energy production since 2016, making it the first EU member to become coal-power-free. The CCPI experts welcome this step, but note that the country should strive for a medium-term phase-out of fossil gas power plants

Renewables trend is positive, although the overall share is still too weak

Belgium has also developed its offshore wind capacity in recent years. While the country does receive a medium overall rating for Renewable Energy, it shows a positive trend for development of renewable energy in this year’s CCPI. Still, Belgium’s share of renewable energy in energy use is far from sufficient, currently only at 9.83%.

The current level of renewable energy means the country does not have the necessary share of renewables for the well-below-2°C benchmark. The experts also note that Belgium should phase-out unsustainable biofuels and focus on scaling-up renewable energy, including on-shore wind and photovoltaics.

Key Outcomes

CCPI experts

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

• Yelter Bollen (Bond Beter Leefmilieu)
• Carine Thibaut (Greenpeace)
• Koen Stuyck (WWF)