Belgium
Overview
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| SSS Relevance | ⭐⭐⭐ High |
| Market Type | Liberalized |
| Key Clean Resources | Nuclear (40-50%), Wind, Solar |
| EAC System | Three regional GO registries |
| Grid Carbon Intensity | ~120-180 gCO2/kWh |
Belgium operates a nuclear-heavy grid with two multi-reactor sites providing 40-50% of electricity. The 2025 phase-out has been partially reversed, extending some reactors to 2035.
SSS Relevance
⭐⭐⭐ High — Belgium offers strong SSS potential due to:
- Operating nuclear fleet (7 reactors, ~6 GW) providing 40-50% of generation
- Limited hydro (essentially zero — no mountains)
- Phase-out partially reversed — Doel 4 and Tihange 3 extended to 2035
- Clean baseload dominant in default supply
SSS-Eligible Resources
| Resource Type | Capacity/Output | SSS Classification |
|---|---|---|
| Nuclear | ~6 GW, 40-50% of generation | ✅ Clearly SSS — dominant baseload |
| Hydro | Negligible | ❌ Not significant |
Operating Nuclear Plants:
- Doel 1, 2, 3, 4 (near Antwerp, ~2.9 GW total)
- Tihange 1, 2, 3 (near Liège, ~3.0 GW total)
Note: Doel 4 and Tihange 3 extended 10 years (to 2035) following 2022 energy crisis. Other reactors closing on schedule.
Market Structure
Regulator: CREG (federal) + regional regulators
Market Model: Liberalized, integrated into CWE (Central Western European) market coupling.
Grid Operator: Elia
Regional Structure: Three regions (Flanders, Wallonia, Brussels) with separate energy competencies.
EAC Infrastructure
Primary Systems: Regional GO registries
| Region | Registry |
|---|---|
| Flanders | VREG |
| Wallonia | CWaPE |
| Brussels | Brugel |
AIB Member: Yes — participates in AIB Hub (federal coordination via CREG)
Important for SSS: Belgian nuclear is a major component of default supply. Limited GO issuance for nuclear; most flows into residual mix.
Emissions Factors
| Source | Value | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Belgian Grid Average | ~120-180 gCO2/kWh | Location-based Scope 2 |
| Belgian Residual Mix | ~250-350 gCO2/kWh | Market-based Scope 2 |