NBB study: Belgian manufacturing energy use falls, but structural shifts dominate efficiency gains
According to a new National Bank of Belgium Economic Review article, Belgian manufacturing consumed around one-sixth less energy than at the turn of the century despite slightly higher industrial output. The decline is mainly explained by structural change towards less energy-intensive sectors such as pharmaceuticals and away from chemicals and iron/steel, not by broad-based efficiency gains. The analysis warns that not all energy reductions reflect efficiency improvements or decarbonisation and that the recent acceleration is linked to weaker activity in energy-intensive industries.
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