Flanders (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Flanders’ low-voltage electricity grid faces growing pressure from solar panels, electric cars, and heat pumps. VREG warns of overload risks, urging Fluvius to strengthen networks and manage rising energy demand.
As GVA News reported, Flanders is under pressure on its electricity network as more people install solar panels, adopt electric vehicles, and transition to electric heating. The low-voltage grid, which consists of the transformers and cables that supply homes and small businesses, is also under more frequent strain.
The Flemish Utility Regulator states that failure to modernise the network will risk failing to meet future demand. The combination of households producing electricity from solar panels and increased usage from electric heating and transport is creating an imbalanced and excessive strain on the network.
What are the network risks posed by electric vehicles and heat pumps to Flanders’ electricity grid?
Research suggests that by 2050, 50% to 65% of Flanders’ low-voltage cables and transformers will be overloaded if no action is taken. The misuse of unattended, overloaded equipment can cause power outages, malfunctions, overheating, and damage to a network that can spread and impact entire neighbourhoods.
Experts are united in that network reinforcement, smart technology usage, and demand-side management will be crucial in keeping power reliable and safe. They will also support Flanders’ transition to clean energy while ensuring homes and businesses can meet growing electricity needs.
A new study by the Flemish Utility Regulator shows that congestion on Flanders’ low-voltage electricity networks is still a serious concern. The report says a large part of the networks, including transformers and cables that supply homes and small businesses, will need reinforcement in the coming years.
According to the authorities, the research is not the same as past works, as the research draws from real data from digital meters, rather than just relying on theoretical future conditions. The results indicated that electric vehicles and heat pumps contradict prior estimates of their impact on the grid. Solar panels were also slightly overestimated. Even so, the report warns that many parts of the network and many transformers are still at risk of overloading if no action is taken.
In 2025, the Flemish Utility Regulator, VREG, released a detailed study on Flanders’ low-voltage electricity grids. The research looked at the impact of electric cars, heat pumps, and solar panels. Following the report, Fluvius, the regional grid operator, presented its Investment Plan for 2026–2035 in June 2025. In July 2025, the Flemish government added €1.56 billion in funding for the electricity network. The money, provided through the investment arm PMV, will help Fluvius carry out essential upgrades.
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