Natural gas in the Belgian energy mix

Using low-emission technology, natural gas-fired combined cycle gas turbine power plants (CCGT plants) will continue to occupy an important part in an ever more diversified Belgian energy mix:

• The CCGT process produces only about half the CO₂ emissions of those from coal power plants. This is compatible with the worldwide efforts to reduce CO₂ emissions.
• Electricity grids become unstable with an increased share of intermittent renewable energy sources. State-of-the-art CCGT plants are best suited to balance these fluctuations because of their ability to start up and shut down quickly.
• From 2013 all large CO₂ emitters in Europe must purchase certificates on the market. As CCGT plants have significantly lower CO₂ emissions, their CO₂ costs will be lower than older coal plants which will be shut down over time. This is, of course, beneficial to the end consumers too.