Activities

Generation

In Benelux, Electrabel manages diversified generating facilities with a capacity of 16 300 MW.

For its generating activities Electrabel makes use of various technologies and different fuels. This diversity makes the generating capacity less vulnerable to market fluctuations. Electrabel now relies primarily on thermal power stations fuelled by natural gas, along with highly reliable and safe nuclear power stations. Wherever possible it is increasing the proportion of electricity generated from renewable energy sources.
Efficient operation by experts makes the generating facilities highly reliable and safe, at a competitive price. Electrabel's main objectives are high energy efficiency and the lowest possible impact on the environment.

Strengths

One of the most efficient producers in Europe due to its reliability, flexibility and very high capacity utilisation
Diversity of technologies - combined cycle gas turbine, cogeneration, conventional, nuclear, hydro-electric and wind turbine - associated with a variety of fuels - uranium, natural gas, coal, oil, wind, biomass, hydropower, etc
Vast knowledge and experience of exploiting different modes of production guaranteeing safe and reliable operation
Leader in gas turbine technology (combined cycle gas turbine power stations, co-generation units)
Regular modernisation of installations to constantly increase energy yields and environmental performance
Particular attention to environmental protection and sustainable development
Major investments in research an development
Economic optimisation of generation capacity through trading activities
A range of custom services for industrial customers (cogeneration, energy audits and consultancy, maintenance of production installations, training, etc)
Skilled, qualified and creative staff at the service of customers
Many opportunities for synergies with other units of the GDF SUEZ group

Generating capacity in the Benelux (MW) end 2009

Belgium: 11 821
The Netherlands: 4 068
Luxembourg: 376
Total Benelux 16 625

Generation capacity by type of unit end 2009

Total: 16 300 MW
Combined cycle gas turbine: 24.7%
Conventional: 31.6%
Nuclear: 26%
Combined heat and power: 5.5%
Energy recovery: 0.5%
Turbojet: 1.3%
Gasturbine: 1.5%
Pumped storage power station: 8%
Hydroelectric: 0.1%
Wind turbine: 0.8%
Photovoltaic: <0.1%