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22 Articles

Energy

Breakthrough for offshore wind power: government approves new framework for PEZ 1

On a proposal by Energy Minister Mathieu Bihet, the federal government has approved a new regulatory framework to relaunch the tender for the first plot of the Princess Elisabeth Zone (PEZ 1) in the North Sea. This decision marks an important step for the development of offshore wind power in Belgium. The previous tender was suspended in 2025 due to legal, financial and technical uncertainties. The new arrangement aims to offer investors greater certainty while protecting public finances and consumers.

Energy Federal

27 Aug 2026

Nearly €11 million to support 8 research projects in the nuclear sector

On a proposal by Federal Energy Minister Mathieu Bihet, the Council of Ministers approved the allocation of nearly €11 million to eight research projects selected under the 10th call for projects of the Energy Transition Fund (ETF). The selected projects focus on applications of nuclear energy.

Energy Federal

27 Aug 2026

Oil and coal boilers: Wallonia confirms a gradual, pragmatic and socially responsible transition

Rather than an abrupt ban from 2026, the choice has been made to push the deadline back to 2031, to provide for exemptions where alternatives are not possible and to maintain transitional solutions for households. This reform, which confirms a gradual, pragmatic and socially responsible transition, comes with stronger support to speed up the replacement of heating systems, without leaving anyone behind.

Energy Wallonia

17 Jul 2026

Photovoltaics: protecting households from production losses

Good news for Walloon households with solar panels: when an installation shuts down because of excessive voltage on the grid, the electricity not produced can now be compensated. The Walloon Government has adopted at first reading a draft decree introducing this new mechanism, which will come into force next year. Compensation will be proportional to the actual production loss, provided the household has a smart meter and notifies its grid operator.

Energy Wallonia

29 Jun 2026

Introduction of an emergency plan in the event of a supply crisis

This plan is designed to prepare Belgium better for any major disruption of the international energy market, whether caused by geopolitical tensions, international crises or supply breakdowns. In practice, it will ensure a swift, coordinated and effective response from the federal authorities in order to protect the country's supply and maintain the continuity of activities essential to citizens and the economy.

Energy Federal

29 Jun 2026

Launch of the interfederal plan “MAKE 2025-2030”

Belgium has embarked on an unprecedented interfederal effort to strengthen the competitiveness of its industry and support its reindustrialisation. Against a backdrop of high energy costs, infrastructure investment needs and fiercer international competition, the “MAKE 2025-2030” plan provides concrete, jointly agreed answers to these challenges.

Energy Federal Self-employed and SMEs

22 May 2026

Support for the creation of an international consortium aimed at building a demonstration SMR reactor in Belgium

During his visit to Vienna for the 69th IAEA Conference, the federal Energy Minister attended the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Eagles consortium and the IAEA. The EAGLES consortium aims to build a demonstration SMR reactor. On 10 February 2026, the EAGLES consortium, of which SCK CEN is a member, signed an agreement with the company newcleo to step up cooperation on lead-cooled fast reactors.

Energy Federal

22 May 2026

Developing offshore wind energy for our energy security

The federal government is accelerating the development of offshore wind energy in the North Sea. The immediate priority is to relaunch the tender for the first offshore plot in the Princess Elisabeth Zone (PEZ 1), while preparations for the next phase, PEZ 2, continue in parallel.

Energy Federal

22 May 2026

A clearer and more transparent energy bill

On a proposal from the Energy Minister and the Minister for Consumer Protection, the federal government approved on 3 April 2026, at second reading, a major reform that will come into force on 1 January 2027 and is designed to make energy bills clearer, more transparent and easier to compare for households and businesses.

Energy Federal

22 May 2026

Energy standard: securing energy costs and boosting our country's industrial attractiveness

The government is taking a major step to reduce businesses' energy costs structurally, strengthen the competitiveness of our electricity-intensive industry and anchor jobs in Belgium. This bill is the cornerstone of the energy standard, one of this government's priorities. It establishes a clear and lasting framework to secure energy costs and make our country more attractive to industry.

Energy Federal Self-employed and SMEs

22 May 2026

Reform of network access to guarantee access to power capacity

In Wallonia, access to power has become a central issue for economic recovery. Industry, mobility, heating, digital technology: uses are being electrified rapidly and pressure on the grids is rising. It is unacceptable for economic, industrial or energy projects to be delayed for want of sufficient grid access, at the very moment when Wallonia wants to attract investment, create jobs and strengthen its competitiveness. That is the whole point of the reform led by Walloon Energy Minister Cécile Neven, based on three levers: better allocating available capacity, making better use of the existing grid and better anticipating future needs. Grid adaptation plans will now cover ten years instead of the current five, with an update every two years.

Energy Wallonia

19 May 2026

Cost reduction of the energy island by at least €2 billion

The North Sea energy island project has been reviewed to avoid a cost explosion, with costs having risen from 2.2 billion to nearly 8 billion euros. By suspending the direct current (DC) component, while continuing the construction of the island and the alternating current (AC) infrastructure needed to connect future offshore wind farms, the government is saving at least 2 billion euros. This decision keeps a strategic project for energy supply on track while preventing a massive extra cost from being passed on to household and business bills. A more rigorous, more responsible approach that better protects purchasing power.

Energy Federal

16 May 2026

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