Written by Jonathan Lambregs
When we think about Europe’s energy future, it’s easy to focus on sustainability. But this shift goes beyond green goals—it’s about securing Europe’s industrial competitiveness. With energy costs soaring and competition from markets with cheaper resources intensifying, the need for innovation in energy strategies has never been more pressing.
At BrightWolves, we’ve spent months delving into the energy transition in Belgium’s energy-intensive industries, speaking directly with energy managers to uncover what’s next.
Here’s what we found.
Demand flexibility is the backbone of stability
As energy prices fluctuate, demand flexibility is emerging as a critical strategy for both industrial budgets and grid stability. With rising electricity demand driven by data centers and industrial electrification, flexibility is becoming a cornerstone of the energy system.
Companies already leveraging demand flexibility (1) are clear about its value, giving it a 3.9 out of 5 priority score for the future. For others (2), uncertainty about benefits or implementation keeps it a lower priority.
"We produce heat with the electric boiler when electricity prices are low and fire up the CHP (combined heat and power) unit with gas when electricity prices are high. This has a significant impact on our demand flexibility." Pharmaceuticals company
Electrification leads decarbonization efforts
Electrification has emerged as the highest priority for decarbonization, especially in heating applications. Heat pumps and electric boilers are recognized for their significant impact, scoring 4.2 and 4 out of 5, respectively.
Electrification and demand flexibility go hand in hand. By combining an electric boiler with a gas boiler, companies can switch seamlessly between energy sources depending on price fluctuations. As one Energy Manager explained:
“We are installing a 5 MW electric boiler to leverage flexibility markets and take advantage of low electricity prices during off-peak hours." Industrial Imaging & Printing Company
Renewables are the lowest-cost energy source available. Electrification enables companies to capitalize on these low costs, while demand flexibility ensures consumption aligns with peak renewable production, benefiting from low or even negative energy prices. Additionally, by offering grid-stabilizing services to Elia, companies unlock new revenue streams
Solar drives renewable energy growth
Solar energy remains the cornerstone of renewable electricity production. Driven by regulatory incentives such as the “PV verplichting” in Flanders. Its proven business case and ease of implementation secure its top rank. However, as solar capacity grows, challenges related to surplus electricity and periods of negative prices put pressure on the business case promised to investors at the offset.
“We recently installed 300 kWp of PV solar energy. In total, we aim for a capacity of 1,8 MWp in PV. This will make a significant contribution to our sustainability goals.” Chemicals & Petrochemicals Company
Energy efficiency experiences a resurge
For years, energy efficiency was seen as a compliance-driven necessity. But now, it’s back in the spotlight. Technologies like waste heat recovery are proving their worth, offering substantial cost savings while reducing emissions.
The recent energy crisis in Europe has served as a wake-up call, reminding industries to double down on efficiency and revisit the basics that once seemed “done and dusted.”
Hydrogen holds future promise
While hydrogen might not be making headlines right now, its long-term promise for long-term decarbonization is undeniable. From green steel production to replacing natural gas in “hard-to-abate” sectors, hydrogen’s potential is immense.
That said, hurdles remain. High costs and slow-moving infrastructure, like the delayed hydrogen backbone from Fluxys, are slowing its progress. But the future looks bright:
“Hydrogen could be a game-changer in our production processes by 2030." Metals Recycling Company
Looking ahead
These findings paint a clear picture: electrification, renewable energy, and demand flexibility aren’t just isolated strategies—they’re deeply interconnected. As Jonathan Lambregs, BrightWolves’ Energy Lead, puts it:
"The insights from our analysis strengthen my optimism. Affordable energy remains a critical driver of industrial activity. By strategically leveraging renewable energy, electrification, and flexibility, a green re-industrialization of Europe is within reach."
Want to dive deeper into these trends?
Download the full report or reach out to discuss how these insights could shape your energy strategy.
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