Consumers foot the bill for Flanders' 13 billion euros green energy support
Between 2014 and 2023, almost 13 billion euros in financial support was granted for renewable energy projects in Flanders, according to a new report by Belgium’s Court of Audit (Rekenhof). Of this total, just 1.8 billion euros came directly from the Flemish government budget. The remaining costs were passed on to electricity consumers via grid operators and energy suppliers.
The Court of Audit examined Flanders' renewable energy policies, targets and implementation, paying particular attention to financial support mechanisms. Of the total aid, nearly 11 billion euros went to green electricity, largely through the “green power certificate” system (groenestroomcertificaten).
These virtual certificates are recorded in an online database and awarded to consumers who generate electricity from solar panels. Their value depends on the year of installation and the inverter’s capacity.
Excessive subsidisation
However, the auditors concluded that the system was not cost-efficient and resulted in the excessive subsidisation of certain types of renewable energy, particularly photovoltaic installations. These systems use solar modules, each of which comprises a number of solar cells that generate electrical power.
In September, the Flemish government announced plans to abolish green power certificates when electricity prices turn negative. This is part of a broader effort to reduce public spending by eliminating subsidies that offer limited added value.
The report also found that, despite accounting for more than half of Flanders’ total energy consumption and having 'enormous potential', renewable heat received 'relatively little support'.
Overall, although 1.8 billion euros was financed through the Flemish budget, electricity consumers ultimately bore the vast majority of the 13 billion euros in support via their energy bills.
#FlandersNewsService | © HANSLUCASCOLLECTION
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