Worldwide, energy companies face the major challenge of meeting the rising demand for energy (particularly in developing countries) in an increasingly complex environment. Highly volatile power and gas prices, rising production costs, large capital investment, regulatory uncertainty and growing safety concerns are all forces that shape the business environment in which energy companies operate. Those companies that are able to successfully rethink their strategy, operations and processes will likely be the most prosperous in this changing setting.
In contrast, for Belgium, with its ageing electricity production capacity, the lack of new investments and expanding electricity imports, concern is growing about the country’s security of supply. This in a context where modern society’s access to electricity is now seen as almost a public right.
Against this background, a consistent energy policy and transparent regulation is necessary in view of stimulating the investment climate.