Brussels, 23 January – Energy efficiency measures should be the answer to energy shortages in Belgium according to a report by E3 and environmental pressure groups. Since the closure of two nuclear reactors in 2012 due to safety concerns, Belgium is facing a potential shortfall of 2,000 MW of electricity during peak winter hours.
Brussels, 23 January – Energy efficiency measures should be the answer to energy shortages in Belgium according to a report by E3 and environmental pressure groups. Since the closure of two nuclear reactors in 2012 due to safety concerns, Belgium is facing a potential shortfall of 2,000 MW of electricity during peak winter hours.
By improving energy efficiency in just three areas – electric heating, lighting and electric motor systems for pumps and ventilators – it would be possible to save 1,116MW from peak winter demand, and cut Belgium’s total energy consumption by 5%. Such measures could, the study suggests, be implemented in only three years. Other potential measures, such as triple glazing, or improved housing insulation, would have even greater impacts.
Such measures are necessary, as Belgium is looking to close all of its nuclear power plants by 2025, which currently provide 51.7% of the country’s energy.
Click to read the Greenpeace press release or 3E study