The energy market in motion: what companies need to know today, and will need tomorrow
As a trusted partner, you know better than anyone that energy-intensive companies need more market insight and flexibility than ever before. Recent developments in the Belgian and European energy market are creating unique opportunities—making this the ideal moment to breathe new life into your collaboration with Elexys.
Energy prices 2025: the “new normal”
Belgian energy prices in 2025 are clearly higher than before 2021. Gas (ZTP) and electricity (Belpex) peaked in 2022 due to Russia’s attack on Ukraine, then fell again but stabilised at a higher level (see figure below). This plateau is the new reference point for companies. What can we expect next?
The American LNG export strategy—often referred to as the “Trump strategy” of energy dominance through LNG exports—is putting pressure on the European gas market. His tariff policy, aimed at economic reorientation and increased energy exports, creates uncertainty in the global economy. Scarcity, geopolitical risks and global demand make major price drops unlikely in the short term. But if the expected economic slowdown caused by the American tariff strategy materialises, energy demand may decrease, limiting the likelihood of significant price increases.
For B2B customers, this means that contract choice, flexibility and risk management are more important than ever. For instance, consider fixing the price for part of your electricity consumption.
Nuclear energy: lifetime extensions and new projects
Nuclear energy remains a cornerstone of Belgium’s electricity supply and plays an important role in security of supply. The lifetime extension of Doel 4 and Tihange 3 until at least 2035 ensures that baseload capacity is maintained. However, these two reactors still require several adjustments before they can be fully operational for the intended extension period.
For B2B customers, this means that the impact of nuclear energy on more stable electricity prices will become clearly noticeable from 2028 onwards, once these installations are fully ready. Developments in nuclear energy are therefore not only a technical or political topic, but also a strategic element in future business planning in Belgium.
European Green Deal and CO₂ policy: impact on energy prices
The European Green Deal strongly focuses on decarbonisation, with the CO₂ Emissions Trading System (ETS) at its core. Higher ETS prices make fossil energy—such as gas and coal—more expensive and encourage companies to invest in energy efficiency and renewable solutions.
ETS 2 will be introduced in January 2027 for sectors not covered by ETS 1. Under ETS 2, energy suppliers are required to purchase emission allowances and pass on these costs to their customers. For Belgian B2B customers, this translates into higher energy costs in the short term, especially for energy-intensive sectors.
In the long term, however, CO₂ policy can lead to a more stable and sustainable energy system, with lower dependency on fossil fuels and fewer structural price fluctuations caused by geopolitical shocks. ETS prices and regulatory developments will therefore remain key factors for strategic energy planning.
Rising imbalance costs due to renewable energy
The increasing number of PV and wind installations is causing greater volatility in the electricity grid. There are more and more periods in which electricity supply exceeds demand, with prices sometimes dropping below –200 EUR per MWh.
The unpredictability of these energy sources also has a growing impact on imbalance costs, which have risen sharply—especially in the case of solar. This highlights the need for more flexibility, for example through curtailment, battery storage or smart load-management solutions.
For B2B customers, it is now crucial to understand and manage these risks. A detailed blog article on these challenges and solutions will be published in the coming weeks, offering practical insights for strategic energy planning. Be sure to keep an eye on your inbox if this topic interests you.
Why Elexys is the energy expert for industrial companies
- In-depth market knowledge: continuous monitoring of electricity, gas and CO₂ prices at Belgian and European level.
- Real-time data & insights: through Elexys Insights, customers have access to up-to-date market data and trends.
- Strategic advice: support with contract selection, risk management and price negotiation.
- Flexibility solutions: guidance on curtailment, battery projects and load management.
- Transparency & independence: objective advice fully aligned with business objectives.
- Experience in the industrial sector: expertise in complex energy profiles and high consumption volumes.
