The Commission 2030 set up to make a study and a report which should lead to the elaboration of the Belgian energy policy by the year 2030 has published its final report.
I tried to summarise the "Key Messages in a Nutshell":
The objective of a sound energy policy is to offer energy services for a variety of applications, based on an energy basket that guarantees a firm security of supply, at an acceptable cost for society, and in an environmentally friendly way.
The Belgian energy policy will have to consist of a balanced mixture of contributing elements. Four groups of “energy sources” [(energy savings, carbon-based resources, nuclear and renewables)] have to be considered, each having their specific merits and limitations[.] (…) Omitting one of them will likely lead to a sub-optimal solution.
On security of supply, four aspects are to be focused on as priorities: Diversity of supply of primary sources and technologies (…); a stable investment climate (…); TSOs and DSOs must be 'allowed' to invest in extensions, adaptations, and preventive maintenance (…); a comprehensive study to find the appropriate energy mix (…) must be carried out.
The liberalization process for electricity and gas in Belgium must be continued in line with the European common energy market concept. Industry has to be enabled to fully participate in the European wholesale energy market, by co-investing in generation assets, by long-term contracts, by establishing a liquid wholesale market, supported by sufficient transnational transmission capacity. Sufficient retail market access should develop over time to reach a good mix of suppliers in Belgium. Regulated capped prices at the retail level are advised against.
Strict supervision by a competent and independent Regulator is necessary while accounting for the development of a European regulatory institution. (…)
Belgium should devote much more research & development means to energy. (…)
Upon lifting the nuclear phase-out law, an agreement with the owners of the Belgian nuclear power plants is to be sought for, to establish a "correct" nuclear-extension concession fee, the revenues of which could be used for stimulating investments in energy savings & demand-side management, for development in renewable energy, for development & research in emerging energy technologies and carriers.
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