Oil continues to dominate Belgian energy consumption
According to new data published by the Federal Public Service for Economy, petroleum products continued to dominate Belgium’s energy mix in 2024. For the first time, the share of renewable energy in final consumption declined slightly.
In 2024, petroleum products accounted for 48.2% of final energy consumption, with the transport sector acting as the main consumer. Despite efforts to diversify, this share has remained relatively stable over the past decade, according to the federal service. In 2023, oil still accounted for 47.9% of energy use.
Belgium remains heavily reliant on energy imports, particularly crude oil and natural gas, with overall energy dependency reaching nearly 76%.
Recovering industry
Final energy consumption, which covers households, industry, and agriculture, rose by 2.6% between 2023 and 2024, reaching 37.4 million tonnes of oil equivalent (Mtoe). This rise was primarily driven by a recovery in industrial activity, with industry now accounting for 25% of final energy use.
Renewables covered 13.9% of Belgium’s final energy consumption in 2024, marking a slight decrease from the previous year. Nevertheless, the country remains above the EU’s minimum target of 13%.
Decline in renewables
Still, this marks the first recorded percentage decline in renewable energy’s share, although the long-term trend remains positive. The decline is primarily due to less favourable weather conditions for renewable energy sources, reduced use of biofuels in the transport sector and increased overall energy consumption, which has lowered the proportional share of renewable energy sources.
The Total refinery in Antwerp, one of the largest refining and petrochemical complexes in Europe © Emmanuel Dunand/AFP
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