Energy Sharing in Belgium: Complete Guide 2025 CER Wallonia

What is Energy Sharing in Belgium?Energy sharing represents a revolution in the way we consume electricity in Belgium. Since the decree of 5 May 2022 in Wallonia, it is now possible to share renewable electricity produced by photovoltaic panels installed on the roof of a building with all residents who wish to do so.This innovation radically transforms the traditional energy model: instead of feeding your surplus solar production into the grid at a derisory price, you can share it directly with your neighbours, co-owners or tenants in the same building. The result? Better value for your photovoltaic production and lower electricity bills for all participants.💡 Recommended product: Solar kits installed in Belgium Turnkey photovoltaic solutions adapted to energy sharingLegal framework: Decree of 5 May 2022 and 2025 developmentsThe Walloon regulatory framework for energy sharing is based on the Decree of 5 May 2022, supplemented by the Government Order of 17 March 2023 on energy communities and energy sharing. This legislation precisely defines the terms and conditions for the implementation of Renewable Energy Communities (REC)."Electricity sharing makes it possible to better utilise surplus electricity while reducing participants' electricity bills, guaranteeing a stable price that is independent of market fluctuations." — Energy Community Facilitator, SPW Wallonia⚠️ Important: The Walloon legal framework is currently being adapted to further facilitate the implementation of energy sharing in the Walloon Region. Once the new texts have been promulgated, certain procedures will be modified. A new Facilitator has been appointed to support project leaders.The services of the Energy Community FacilitatorThe Energy Community Facilitator set up by SPW Wallonia now offers:Detailed information documents on electricity sharingPersonalised support by e-mail for your projectsComing soon: various online support toolsA redirection service for your customers and tenantsContact: facilitateur.communaute.energie@spw.wallonie.beHow does electricity sharing work in a building?Electricity sharing is made possible by smart meters. These intelligent devices measure incoming and outgoing electricity flows every 15 minutes. The Distribution Network Operator (DNO) then allocates the injection volumes to consumers for each quarter of an hour when they consume electricity, according to a predefined allocation formula.Comparison: Without vs. With Energy SharingSANS Partage d'ÉlectricitéAVEC Partage d'ÉlectricitéProduction photovoltaïque sur le toitAutoconsommation instantanée limitée (souvent faible en copropriété)Prélèvement réseau pour besoins résiduelsInjection sur le réseau à petit prixProduction photovoltaïque sur le toitAutoconsommation instantanée (compteur communs)Prélèvement réseau pour besoins résiduels des communsPartage vers compteurs individuels des habitantsPrélèvement réseau pour besoins résiduels individuelsInjection réseau uniquement du surplus non partagéIn a traditional condominium without sharing, self-consumption is often less than 30% of production. With energy sharing, this rate can climb to 70-80%, thereby multiplying the profitability of your photovoltaic installation.🔧 RECOMMENDED SOLUTIONPhotovoltaic kits with hybrid inverters and storage ⚡ DISCOVER THE INVERTER & BATTERY PACKS The 4 Major Advantages of Energy Sharing1. Better Use of Photovoltaic SurplusInstead of selling your surplus back to your supplier for £0.03-0.06/kWh, you share it with your neighbours at a price agreed between participants, generally £0.10-0.15/kWh. This better utilisation significantly increases the profitability of your solar installation.2. Significant Reduction in Electricity BillsParticipants in the sharing scheme benefit from an 80% reduction in distribution and transmission costs for shared electricity. In concrete terms, instead of paying £0.25-0.30/kWh all-inclusive, you pay around £0.15-0.18/kWh for shared local electricity.3. Stable and predictable pricesUnlike market prices, which fluctuate constantly, the price of shared electricity is set by agreement between participants. This stability protects you from price increases and allows you to plan your energy budget over the long term.4. Active Participation in the Energy TransitionBy joining an energy community, you are directly contributing to the decarbonisation of the Belgian electricity system. Each shared kWh is a renewable kWh that replaces fossil fuel production, thereby reducing the collective carbon footprint."Renewable energy communities maximise collective self-consumption to 70-80%, compared to only 30% for individual self-consumption." — CWaPE (Walloon Energy Commission)Economic Model: Breakdown of CostsUnderstanding the economic model of energy sharing is essential to assessing your potential gain. Here is the detailed pricing structure:Composante TarifaireSans PartageAvec PartageÉconomiePrix énergie fournisseur0,08 €/kWh0 € (énergie locale)0,08 €/kWhFrais de distribution0,09 €/kWh0,02 €/kWh0,07 €/kWh (-80%)Frais de transport0,03 €/kWh0,01 €/kWh0,02 €/kWh (-80%)Prix électricité locale—0,10-0,15 €/kWhVariableTaxes & surcharges0,05 €/kWh0,05 €/kWhIdentiquesTOTAL~0,25 €/kWh~0,18 €/kWh-28% 💰Key points of the economic model:80% reduction on distribution and transmission tariffs for shared electricityLocal electricity price freely set between participants (generally £0.07-0.15/kWh)Supplier fee: some suppliers charge a monthly fee (€2-5/month) for customers participating in sharingSocial tariff preserved: beneficiaries of the social tariff retain their advantage for shared volumesNo more reverse metering: participants in sharing can no longer use compensation (already the case for installations >10 kVA and new installations since 2024)Setting up energy sharing: 4 essential stepsStep 1: Smart MetersAll participants (producers and consumers) must be equipped with a smart meter. These meters measure electricity flows in 15-minute intervals, which is essential for sharing.📞 Procedure: Contact your Distribution Network Operator (DNO) to request the free replacement of your traditional meter with a smart meter. Average timeframe: 4-8 weeks.Step 2: Sharing agreementSign an agreement between the producer (owner of the photovoltaic installation) and the consumers of the shared energy. This agreement must specify:Price of shared electricity (€/kWh): recommended €0.10-0.15/kWhDistribution key: terms for allocating the surplus among participants (proportional to consumption, equal, or customised)Duration of the commitment: generally 1-3 years, renewableExit conditions: notice period and termination termsBilling terms: frequency and method of paymentStep 3: Launch formSubmit the energy sharing launch form to your DSO. This official document triggers the technical implementation of sharing on the network.📄 Required documents:Contact details of the producer and consumersEAN numbers of the meters concernedSelected allocation keySigned sharing agreementStep 4: Agreement with the DSOSign an agreement with your Distribution Network Operator. This agreement defines the technical and operational aspects of energy sharing on the electricity network.Total commissioning time: Allow 2-4 months between submitting the application and the effective activation of energy sharing.Modification and termination of energy sharingOne of the major advantages of the Walloon system is that you can modify or stop sharing at any time.To modify sharingSubmit the modification form to the DSOAdapt the sharing agreements between participantsProcessing time: 2-4 weeksPossible changes: addition/removal of participants, change of allocation key, modification of the local electricity price.To Stop SharingSubmit the cessation of activity form to the DSOTerminate sharing agreements with participantsReturn the green certificates to the administrationOperational Management of SharingAs a sharing producer, you have two main responsibilities:1. Billing for shared electricityThe producer bills participating consumers directly for the amount corresponding tothe local shared electricity (agreed price × shared kWh). Network charges and federal taxes are still billed by each participant's energy supplier.💡 Tip: Use the quarterly statements provided by your DSO to prepare your invoices. These statements detail the volumes shared with each participant.2. Return of Green CertificatesFor shared electricity, the producer must return the corresponding green certificates to the Walloon administration. This obligation is intended to avoid double valuation (local sale price + green certificates).Important: Green certificates remain valid for self-consumed electricity and electricity fed into the public grid. BEST-SELLER Self-consumption kits with storage Belgium✅ Deye/Sofar hybrid inverters • ✅ Pylontech batteries • ✅ Professional installation 📋 See complete kits with installation Photovoltaic Solutions Suitable for Energy SharingTo optimise your energy sharing project, the sizing of your photovoltaic installation is crucial. Here are the recommended configurations according to the size of the building:Small condominium (5-10 units)Recommended power: 10-15 kWpInverter: 10 kVA three-phase hybrid (Deye, Sofar Solar)Optional battery: 10-15 kWh to maximise self-consumptionAnnual production: 12,000-18,000 kWhMedium condominium (10-20 units)Recommended power: 20-30 kWpInverter: Three-phase hybrid 15-20 kVAOptional battery: 20-30 kWhAnnual production: 24,000-36,000 kWhLarge condominium (>20 units)Recommended power: 30-50 kWp+Inverter: Multi-inverter configuration or commercial invertersOptional battery: 40-60 kWh+Annual production: 36,000-60,000 kWh+Sloping roofs account for 75% of installations in Belgium. 🔗 See solar kits Official tools and resourcesWallonia Energy Community FacilitatorThe Wallonia Public Service provides several essential resources:Dedicated webpage: Comprehensive information on energy sharing (CWaPE and Facilitator)Detailed FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions about energy communitiesExplanatory guide to the form: Instructions for completing the launch formModification guide: Procedure for modifying or stopping an existing sharing arrangementLocation tool: Easily find your DSO based on your addressDirect contact:📧 Email: facilitateur.communaute.energie@spw.wallonie.be🌐 Contact form available onlineWattuneed tools for sizing your projectWattuneed provides free sizing tools to accurately calculate the optimal photovoltaic power and storage capacity for your energy sharing project. 🧰 Access the Wattuneed Toolbox Renewable Energy Communities (REC): Beyond BuildingsEnergy sharing within a building is the simplest form of energy community. However, the Walloon legal framework also allows for the creation of Renewable Energy Communities (REC) at the neighbourhood or municipal level.Difference between REC and sharing within a buildingCritèrePartage dans un BâtimentCER (Communauté d'Énergie)PérimètreUn seul bâtimentPlusieurs bâtiments / quartierStructure juridiqueSimple convention privéeASBL ou coopérative obligatoireRéduction frais réseau-80%Variable selon distanceComplexité administrativeFaibleÉlevéeNombre de participantsLimité aux habitants du bâtimentIllimité dans le périmètreRecommendation: For a first project, opt for energy sharing within a building, which is much simpler to implement. Multi-building RECs require specialised professional support.Tax and accounting aspectsFor the Producer (Owner of the Installation)Income from the sale of local electricity:If occasional activity (€10,000/year): possibility of complementary self-employed statusVAT: exemption scheme up to €25,000 in turnoverFor Participating ConsumersNo specific tax return is required. Purchasing local electricity is similar to purchasing from a traditional supplier.💡 Tip: Consult an accountant to confirm the tax regime that applies to your situation, particularly if your sharing income exceeds £5,000/year.Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)Can I participate in energy sharing as a tenant?Yes, absolutely. Tenants can participate in energy sharing in the same way as owners, provided that the meter is in their name and they have a smart meter. The owner's consent is not required to join an existing sharing scheme in the building.What happens if my production is insufficient for all participants?The distribution key defined in the agreement determines how the available surplus is distributed among participants. If production is insufficient at any given time, each participant automatically draws the necessary supplement from the electricity grid via their usual supplier.Can I combine energy sharing and green certificates?Partially. You keep the green certificates for the electricity you consume yourself and the electricity you feed into the public grid. However, you must return the green certificates corresponding to the volumes of electricity shared with other participants.Do I have to change my electricity supplier to participate?No. Each participant keeps their current electricity supplier. Energy sharing works in parallel with your standard supply contract. Please note, however, that some suppliers charge a monthly fee (€2-5) for customers participating in sharing.What is the minimum commitment period for energy sharing?There is no legal minimum duration. The commitment period is freely defined in the agreement between participants. In practice, commitments of 1 to 3 years are recommended to ensure the stability of the project, with the possibility of early termination subject to notice (usually 3 months).Does energy sharing also work in Flanders and Brussels?The framework described in this article specifically concerns the Walloon Region. Flanders and Brussels have their own regulations for energy communities, with different terms and conditions. Please check with the relevant regional authorities: VREG (Flanders) and Brugel (Brussels).Conclusion: Energy Sharing, the Future of Collective Self-ConsumptionEnergy sharing represents a major step forward in democratising access to renewable energy in Belgium. Thanks to the Walloon decree of 2022 and the tools put in place by the Energy Community Facilitator, it has never been easier to make the most of your photovoltaic production while reducing your neighbours' bills.There are many benefits:💰 Economic: up to 28% savings on electricity consumption🌍 Ecological: maximisation of local use of renewable energy🤝 Social: creation of bonds and energy solidarity in your building📈 Financial: improved profitability of your photovoltaic installationWith the constant evolution of the regulatory framework and the announced simplification of procedures, 2025-2026 promises to be the golden age of energy communities in Wallonia. Don't wait any longer to explore this opportunity and join the thousands of Walloons already committed to this local and citizen-led energy transition.📚 NEED SUPPORT?Check out our blog and technical support for all your questions 📖 ACCESS THE BLOG 🛠️ TECHNICAL SUPPORT Wattuneed SPRLRue Henripré 12, 4821 Andrimont, BelgiumTel: +32 87 45 00 34 – info@wattuneed.comwww.wattuneed.com | Technical support