Belgian capacity market takes major step forward

The Zandvliet CCGT plant in Antwerp. (Electrabel)

The prospects for new investment in gas-fired power plants in Belgium were boosted last week by the national parliament’s approval of a controversial capacity market.

Capacity auctions for power plants in Belgium and neighbouring countries could start in 2021, although approval from the European Commission remains a stumbling block. 

The subsidy scheme is designed to incentivise investment in new gas-fired plants to support the phase-out of Belgium’s last nuclear reactors. However, the scheme faces scrutiny from the commission, which will assess...