Belgium plans to boost its photovoltaic (PV) a capacity to 33.6 GW by 2035 as part of its draft national energy and climate plan (NECP). The plan lays out the country’s strategies for renewable energy, energy efficiency, and climate policies.
Belgium Raises 2030 Solar Target to 15.5 GW
Under the draft NECP, Belgium is targeting a total installed PV capacity of 15.5 GW by 2030, up from the 13.6 GW goal in its previous 2021-2030 plan. This revised target aligns with updated European Union rules requiring member states to review their energy and climate plans by June 30, 2024.
The federal government and the three regions — Flanders, Wallonia, and Brussels — collaborated on the draft plan. Each region has its own targets and strategies for renewable energy, including solar PV.
Of this total, Flanders is targeting 13.2 GW of solar capacity by 2030, a slight increase from its previous 12.5 GW goal. Wallonia plans to nearly double its capacity to 2 GW from a previous target of 1.1 GW, while Brussels aims for 0.3 GW, up from 0.2 GW.
Beyond 2030: A 33.6 GW Goal for 2035
Looking beyond 2030, the draft NECP sets an even more ambitious goal of 33.6 GW of PV capacity by 2035. This long-term target underscores Belgium’s commitment to expanding its renewable energy infrastructure and reducing its reliance on fossil fuels.
The plan also highlights Belgium’s recent progress. By the end of 2022, the country had already installed 8.9 GW of PV capacity—with 8.2 GW in Flanders, 0.7 GW in Wallonia, and 0.18 GW in Brussels. That same year, Belgium added another 1.04 GW of new capacity, with most of the growth occurring in the residential sector.
To meet these targets, Belgium plans to accelerate solar PV deployment in the coming years. The draft NECP outlines several supporting measures, including financial incentives for new installations, streamlined permitting processes, and investments in grid infrastructure.
Driving Energy Security and Economic Opportunity
By increasing its solar capacity, Belgium expects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve energy security, and create new economic opportunities. The draft plan emphasizes the critical role of renewable energy in achieving these goals and positioning the country as a leader in the energy transition.
The draft NECP is currently open for public consultation, allowing stakeholders to provide feedback and suggestions. Once finalized, the plan will serve as a roadmap for Belgium’s energy and climate policies over the next decade.
To see how this trend fits into the bigger picture, explore other international clean energy projects. Discover key developments like the Bahamas solar power agreement and India’s solar power initiative in Afghanistan to understand global cooperation in renewable energy.
