Gas consumption in Belgium decreased in 2024

Belgium consumed 149 terawatt hours of gas last year, the lowest level in at least 15 years. The decline was mainly in the use of gas to generate electricity.

The consumption of 2024 was lower than the previous year, when gas consumption was 152 TWh, according to figures from the gas network operator Fluxys. 

In particular, less gas was used to generate electricity. Figures from high-voltage grid operator Elia show that gas-fired electricity was squeezed out of the market by cheap French electricity. Households and industry, however, used more gas.

Russian LNG

Belgium imported much more gas than it consumed, but much of it was re-exported to other countries. Total transit to neighbouring countries amounted to 259 TWh last year, much less than the 357 TWh in 2023. Germany was the largest customer. 

Icebreakers filled with Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) continue to arrive at the port of Zeebrugge, some of which is regasified and some of which leaves immediately by ship or truck. 

About 60 per cent of the LNG arriving in Zeebrugge by tanker in the last six months came from Russia, 35 per cent from Qatar and 2 per cent from the United States.

^{© BELGA PHOTO NICOLAS MAETERLINCK}