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Belgium voted, with both N-VA and Vlaams Belang making significant gains. N-VA is again the largest party in Flanders with 31 seats. Together with Vlaams Belang, which also gained 31 seats, the party is one seat short of a majority in the Flemish Parliament. However, a coalition between these two parties seems unlikely, as N-VA leader Bart De Wever ruled out cooperation with Vlaams Belang before the election. But what exactly does the election result mean for the solar energy sector in Belgium?
The big winners: N-VA and Vlaams Belang
Notable in the N-VA's election program is the only one-time appearance of terms such as wind and solar energy. Flemish Minister of Energy Zuhal Demir (N-VA) has been active in the past in advocating the phasing out of subsidies for solar energy. This with the goal of promoting the transition to an era without subsidies. Demir wants to discuss reducing green certificates again during cabinet negotiations.
Should N-VA still consider a coalition with Vlaams Belang, it will come up against a party that wants to abolish the mandatory installation of the digital meter. Vlaams Belang advocates maintaining the promised benefits for families who have already installed solar panels and wants to stop the over-subsidization of solar and wind energy projects. They see a future in a mix of nuclear and renewable energy.
Forward
The other two winners, Vooruit and PVDA, also have their views and influences on the solar sector. For example, Vooruit wants to renovate 180,000 homes annually with insulation, solar panels and heat pumps. The party aims for energy-efficient homes by 2040.
PVDA
PVDA wants at least 70% of electricity production to come from renewable energy by 2030. They propose the creation of local and public energy companies.
Future developments
Surely the question remains the election result exactly means for the solar energy sector in Belgium? We will have to wait a while for that. The next few months will see intense negotiations to form new governments. This both at regional and federal level. Prime Minister Alexander De Croo will offer the resignation of the federal government to King Philip, after which the formation talks can begin.
The election results present both challenges and opportunities for the solar industry in Belgium. The final coalitions and their policy choices will determine the future of renewable energy in the country.
