X. B. Lastra Bravo
University of Almería, Almería, Spain
T. Steenberghen
Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
A. Tolón Becerra
University of Almería, Almería, Spain
B. Debecker
Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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http://dx.doi.org/10.3384/ecp110573010Published in: World Renewable Energy Congress - Sweden; 8-13 May; 2011; Linköping; Sweden
Linköping Electronic Conference Proceedings 57:2, p. 3010-3017
Published: 2011-11-03
ISBN: 978-91-7393-070-3
ISSN: 1650-3686 (print), 1650-3740 (online)
In its energy policy; the European Union (EU) sets the target of a 13% share of renewable energy sources (RES) for Belgium. Several instruments have been implemented to reach this target. The objective of this study is analyze those instruments and it effectiveness and efficiency. To tackle this objective; we first analyze the current status of RES in Flanders. Second; we compare the situation in Flanders to the national situation in Belgium and to the other EU member states. Then; we analyze the potential of each type of RES. Finally; we discuss the opportunities and problems of RES related to spatial planning.
In Flanders; the main application of renewable energy is electricity production; of which the main source is biomass. An aspect of the Flemish energy policy worth mentioning is the green certificate system; which has stimulated the development of renewable energies. However; a greater effort to regulate this market and to decrease the cost of kWh produced has proven to be necessary.
The RES-electricity share of total consumption has increased by 3.2% between 1994 and 2008. But; compared to others EU countries; the share of RES to gross inland consumption in Flanders is small. Large-scale facilities are necessary to reach the EU targets. The development of large wind; biomass and solar projects is suggested as the preferred option for Flanders.
