The energy transition is no longer an abstract concept
It is taking shape in our neighbourhoods, our buildings, and our homes.
Thanks to energy sharing and the rise of energy communities, more and more Belgians are producing, consuming, and exchanging their own green electricity.
This evolution marks a turning point: energy is becoming local, collective, and community-driven.
And for Belga Solar, it opens up exciting new perspectives.
Understanding the concept: what is an energy community?
An energy community brings together citizens, companies, or institutions that jointly produce and consume renewable electricity.
Members can also store or share their energy according to their needs and production capacities.
As summarised by Helios Group, a committed Belgian partner in the energy transition:
“The future lies in the production, storage, and sharing of local, green electricity.”
This vision aligns with that of the European Union, which officially recognises the right to share energy within local communities (Directive 2019/944).
In practical terms, this means that neighbours in a district, co-owners of a building, or companies in the same area can pool their solar production and distribute the electricity generated according to predefined rules.
Why energy sharing matters today
Making the most of solar energy
Many solar panel owners generate more electricity than they consume.
Instead of reinjecting this surplus into the grid for a minimal return, they can now share it with other local users.
Helios Group also highlights that smart storage solutions make this sharing even more efficient: the electricity you produce is used when you need it — or shared within a community instead of being lost to the grid.
Strengthening local energy autonomy
Energy communities allow individuals and organisations to regain control over their energy consumption and reduce dependence on large centralised networks.
They promote energy resilience and encourage short, local electricity circuits.
Helios aptly describes this as “managed, sustainable, and citizen-driven energy” — a fitting definition of this collective movement.
Supporting European and Belgian ambitions
The European Union actively encourages Member States to develop energy communities.
In Belgium, the three Regions (Brussels, Wallonia, and Flanders) are gradually adapting their regulatory frameworks to facilitate this model.
The rules remain complex, but the momentum is clear: energy sharing will become a cornerstone of Belgium’s future electricity system.
The Belgian framework: where do we stand?
In Belgium, the legal framework for energy sharing is being implemented step by step:
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In Brussels, at least two participants within the same grid zone are required, each equipped with a digital meter with 15-minute intervals.
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In Wallonia and Flanders, the conditions are similar: members must be geographically close and connected to the same grid operator.
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The Flemish regulator (VREG) is already supervising several pilot projects for local energy communities.
According to KPMG, the main challenge still lies in administrative complexity and the number of stakeholders involved.
However, these obstacles do not diminish the appeal of the model: early feedback is very positive, especially regarding cost savings and strengthened local cohesion.
Belga Solar, a key player in this collective transition
As a Belgian manufacturer of photovoltaic panels, Belga Solar is ideally positioned to support this evolution.
The company goes far beyond supplying equipment: it helps its clients expand and optimise their installations, prepare for storage solutions, and join local energy communities through our partner Helios.
Thanks to its technical expertise and local presence, Belga Solar is a natural partner for individuals, businesses, and communities wishing to take this step forward.
Together towards a more sustainable energy model
Energy sharing and local green electricity communities represent a new stage in Belgium’s energy transition.
They are transforming the way we produce and consume energy while reinforcing solidarity and local autonomy.
Belga Solar aims to play a leading role in this evolution:
by providing local, sustainable, and intelligent solutions, the company contributes to building a fairer and more resilient energy model.