[IEA]：Energy Policies of IEA Countries: Belgium 2016 Review

Executive Summary: This review highlights Belgium's energy policies, focusing on key areas such as energy security, climate change, and energy efficiency.
Key Recommendations: Recommendations aim to improve emergency response capabilities, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance energy efficiency, and promote sustainable energy policies.

Country Overview: Belgium is a member of the International Energy Agency (IEA) and adheres to its objectives of ensuring energy security, promoting sustainable policies, improving market transparency, and supporting global energy collaboration.
Supply and Demand: Belgium relies heavily on imported energy, with a focus on diversifying sources and reducing dependency.
Institutions: The Belgian government has established various institutions to manage energy policies, including the Federal Office for Public Works and Energy (ONW) and the National Energy Plan (NEP).
Main Energy Policy Challenges: Challenges include high energy costs, low energy efficiency, and the need for more renewable energy sources.
Assessment: The current energy mix in Belgium is dominated by natural gas, followed by coal and nuclear power.
Recommendations: Enhance energy efficiency, increase the share of renewable energy, and improve emergency response capabilities.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Belgium's greenhouse gas emissions have been steadily decreasing due to increased energy efficiency and the shift towards cleaner energy sources.
Energy-related CO2 Emissions: Belgium's energy-related CO2 emissions have also decreased, but there is still room for improvement.
Institutions: The Federal Office for Public Works and Energy (ONW) plays a crucial role in implementing climate policies.
Policies and Measures: Policies include carbon pricing, energy efficiency standards, and support for renewable energy projects.
Climate Change Vulnerability and Adaptation: Belgium faces risks from climate change, particularly related to flooding and heatwaves.
Assessment: Belgium has made progress in reducing emissions, but further action is needed to meet its climate targets.
Recommendations: Increase investment in renewable energy and implement more ambitious climate policies.

Final Energy Use: Belgium has seen improvements in energy efficiency, particularly in residential and commercial sectors.
Institutions: The Federal Office for Public Works and Energy (ONW) oversees energy efficiency programs.
Policies and Measures: Policies include energy performance certificates, building codes, and incentives for energy-efficient appliances.
Assessment: While progress has been made, more needs to be done to achieve energy efficiency targets.
Recommendations: Strengthen energy efficiency standards, expand energy performance certificates, and promote the use of smart meters.

Supply and Demand: Belgium imports most of its oil, with refineries playing a significant role in processing crude oil.
Infrastructure: The country has a well-developed oil infrastructure, including pipelines and storage facilities.
Retail Market Structure: The retail market is highly competitive, with multiple suppliers and retailers.
Emergency Response Policy: Belgium has an emergency response plan in place for oil supply disruptions.
Prices and Taxes: Oil prices and taxes are regulated by the government.
Assessment: The sector is stable, but there is potential for further improvements in energy efficiency and diversification.
Recommendations: Enhance emergency response capabilities and promote the use of alternative fuels.

Supply and Demand: Coal usage in Belgium has declined significantly, with most coal-fired plants being decommissioned.
References: Further details on the coal sector are provided in the references section.

Supply and Demand: Natural gas is a major source of energy in Belgium, with imports accounting for a significant portion of consumption.
Regulatory Framework: The regulatory framework supports the development of natural gas infrastructure.
Infrastructure: The country has a robust natural gas infrastructure, including pipelines and storage facilities.
Market Design and Competition: The market is competitive, with multiple suppliers and retailers.
Emergency Response Policy: Belgium has an emergency response plan for natural gas supply disruptions.
Prices and Taxes: Natural gas prices and taxes are regulated by the government.
Assessment: The sector is stable, but there is potential for further improvements in energy efficiency and diversification.
Recommendations: Enhance emergency response capabilities and promote the use of alternative energy sources.

Supply and Demand: Electricity consumption in Belgium is growing, driven by increasing demand in the industrial and residential sectors.
Regulatory Framework: The regulatory framework supports the development of a competitive electricity market.
Infrastructure: The country has a well-developed electricity grid, including transmission and distribution networks.
Market Design and Competition: The market is competitive, with multiple suppliers and retailers.
Emergency Response Policy: Belgium has an emergency response plan for electricity supply disruptions.
Assessment: The sector is stable, but there is potential for further improvements in energy efficiency and divers