For the first time in history, Belgium covers its energy needs exclusively with PV and wind farms

The energy generated by solar panels and wind turbines in Belgium was sufficient to meet the entire energy needs of the country. This significant milestone was achieved on Monday, May 29, 2023, between 1:00 p.m. and 1:30 p.m., as announced by the Belgian grid operator.

During that period, photovoltaic installations and wind turbines collectively produced an impressive 8,303 megawatts (MW) of electricity, surpassing the previous record of 7,695 MW set on Sunday. Notably, this performance also exceeded last year’s record of 7,112 MW achieved on May 11, 2022.

Among the record-breaking production, photovoltaic systems played a more significant role compared to wind farms. The energy output from photovoltaic systems reached approximately 5,500 megawatts (MW), showing a notable contribution. The following chart illustrates the production levels from both of these energy sources.

As stated by the system operator, these instances highlight the necessity for a new market approach that promotes adaptable energy usage. This involves leveraging devices like heat pumps and electric cars, which can be utilized or charged by consumers during periods of affordable green energy availability. Aside from the clear economic advantages, this practice will also contribute to the stability of the energy network.

In 2019, renewable energy sources accounted for 9.9% of Belgium’s energy mix. The target for 2030 is a substantial increase to 17.5%. Notably, Brussels is actively advancing projects involving photovoltaic installations, wind farms, and systems utilizing biofuels and waste heat.

In the fourth quarter of 2022, Belgium achieved a 3.3% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to the previous year. This decline is on par with the reduction observed in Poland, which was also at 3.4%.

Lately, numerous European nations have celebrated comparable achievements. In early May, the Energy Regulatory Office revealed that Poland achieved a record-breaking electricity production from renewable sources in 2022, surpassing the figures from 2021. Additionally, on our website, we highlighted a significant milestone: Great Britain has, for the first time ever, generated more electricity through wind turbines than from gas-powered sources.