News from Belgium
EU Launches Multi-Billion-Euro Tender for AI Gigafactories – Fast Power Supply Becomes a Competitive Factor
31 Jul 2026 08:49 | Brussels – The European Commission has launched a tender for the construction of up to seven AI Gigafactories, aiming to trigger more than EUR 30 billion in investment in Europe's AI infrastructure. For operators of large AI data centers, speed has become a decisive competitive factor. Companies able to secure the required power supply quickly gain a critical advantage in the global AI race. read more...
EU Expands Industrial Policy with EUR 1.5 Billion Programme for Battery Cell Plants
29 Jul 2026 11:35 | Brussels – The European Union is expanding its industrial policy course toward building competitive battery production with a new funding programme for battery cell plants. The European Commission is making available interest-free loans of up to EUR 1.5 billion. The support specifically targets the economically critical ramp-up phase of new production sites, where many projects fail due to high costs and scaling risks despite mature technology. read more...
EU Commission Approves Green Aid for Ireland and Czech Republic under New Clean Industrial Deal Framework
21 Jul 2026 10:57 | Brussels — The European Commission has approved further state aid measures under the new state aid framework for the Clean Industrial Deal (CID). The Czech Republic has been cleared to introduce a capacity mechanism to secure electricity supply, while Ireland has been authorized to temporarily support energy-intensive companies with their electricity costs. read more...
Mediterranean Offshore Wind: Study Identifies Key Success Factors for Market Ramp-Up
20 Jul 2026 11:00 | Brussels — The ramp-up of offshore wind energy in the Mediterranean depends less on technological progress than on reliable political and industrial framework conditions, according to a new study. While floating wind turbines are considered a key technology for the region, their deployment hinges largely on planning certainty, grid connection, port infrastructure and robust supply chains. read more...
EU Financing Exclusion for High-Risk Country Inverters: S&P Global Data Show Sufficient Capacity among Western Manufacturers
08 Jul 2026 08:50 | Brussels – The planned exclusion of inverters from high-risk countries from EU financing instruments has put the question of supply security in the European solar market into focus. The European Solar Manufacturing Council (ESMC) points to market data from S&P Global Energy, which it says show that Western manufacturers can already meet demand today. read more...
EU Car Market 2026: Electrification Accelerates – ICE Vehicles Lose Ground
27 May 2026 15:36 | Brussels – Despite geopolitical uncertainties, the European passenger car market has grown by 4.2 percent so far in 2026. Behind the overall figure lies a structural shift: battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids are gaining significant market share, while internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles are losing ground and conventional hybrids continue to expand. read more...
EU Awards Contracts: Over €1 Billion for Industrial Decarbonisation and Gigawatt-scale Electrolysis Capacity
11 May 2026 17:00 | Brussels (Belgium) – The European Commission has awarded funding to nine hydrogen projects under a competitive auction conducted by the European Hydrogen Bank. In total, more than €1 billion in support funds will be allocated. The selected projects are expected to develop electrolysis capacity at gigawatt scale and enable significant CO2 savings across Europe. read more...
Belgian Government Considers State Takeover Of Engie’s Nuclear Power Plants
05 May 2026 09:19 | Brussels (Belgium) - The Belgian government is considering a state takeover of the nuclear power plants owned by the French energy company Engie and has initially imposed a halt on the decommissioning of these facilities. As part of the review process, an assessment will be conducted to determine whether the nuclear assets could be transferred into state ownership in the future. read more...
Belgium shuts down all nuclear power plants for seven months
15 Apr 2026 17:07 | Brussels, Belgium – In Belgium, the last two nuclear power plants were shut down for seven months at the beginning of April 2026. The goal is the modernization of the two nuclear power plants Doel 4 and Tihange 3. read more...
EU Focuses on Nuclear And Fusion Research: Euratom Work Programme 2026-2027 Launched with Focus on SMR Strategy
23 Mar 2026 11:13 | Brussels (Belgium) - Following the classification of reducing the share of nuclear energy in Europe as a strategic mistake by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at the Nuclear Energy Summit in Paris, the European Commission is now placing nuclear technologies at the center of its funding priorities. read more...
