In recent days, the price of electricity has exceeded 400 euros per MWh in Belgium, with peaks at more than 500 euros. The cold and low production of renewable energies have caused the price of electricity to double compared to the last few weeks.
Added to this is France, which imports quite a lot of electricity, several of its nuclear reactors being under maintenance or shut down.
Next week, the situation is likely to be even more tense. “We expect, especially in the evening, a peak in electricity prices,” says one at Elia, the manager of the high voltage network.
It is possible that Belgium will in turn have to import electrons, especially since Tihange 1 will not restart before December 14 at the earliest. However, there is no question of talking regarding a problem in sight in terms of security of supply, we are assured at Elia.
For specialist Matthias Detremmerie, broker at energy supplier Elindus, next week might even be the worst of the year, with record prices possible. Some scenarios evoke a price of up to 1,500 euros per MWh during the evening peak.