Brussels, Belgium – April 7, 2025 — In a major step towards climate neutrality, Brussels has announced the installation of its first low-carbon heat grid in the Northern Quarter, marking a significant milestone in the capital’s energy transition.
The pioneering project, called Be.Share, aligns with the Brussels Region’s ambition to become carbon-neutral by 2050 and is part of a broader strategy to phase out fossil fuel dependency.
Be.Share will be co-financed by the European Union, which is contributing €5 million to support the project. Speaking about the initiative, outgoing Brussels Minister for Environment and Energy Alain Maron (Ecolo) emphasized its importance for the city’s future.
“Freeing Brussels from its dependence on fossil fuels is essential to achieving our climate goals, ensuring healthier air quality and keeping Brussels residents’ energy bills under control,” Maron stated. “Be.Share is a first expression of our vision: pooling energy resources to accelerate a fair and efficient transition.”
The heat grid will operate at low temperature using local renewable energy sources, including geothermal energy and sewer thermal energy.
In particular, heat will be extracted from public spaces under redevelopment, such as Maximilian Park, as well as from wastewater flowing through the city’s sewer systems.
Initially, the network will supply heat to three office buildings and two residential complexes belonging to the social housing provider Le Foyer Laekenois.
However, project leaders are hopeful that this will serve as a scalable model that could be replicated across other neighbourhoods, particularly in redevelopment zones like the European Quarter.
Currently, heat networks make up less than 1% of Belgium’s total energy supply. This figure pales in comparison to other European nations, such as France, where heat networks contribute 15%, and Sweden, where they represent a staggering 65%.
With Be.Share, Brussels aims to close that gap and demonstrate the viability of a collective, low-carbon energy approach.
The project stands out for its collaborative governance model, bringing together public, private, and civic stakeholders. Key partners include Bruxelles Environnement, Vivaqua, Sibelga, the energy company Karno, the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), and the non-profit association Convivence.
Crucially, 331 low-income families will also be involved in the planning and design process, ensuring the energy transition remains inclusive and equitable.
Construction is scheduled to begin at the end of 2024 and is expected to take approximately 18 months. Officials believe that, if successful, the initiative could act as a catalyst for expanding heat networks throughout the city, especially in areas undergoing urban renewal.
The Be.Share initiative is a bold and timely step toward decarbonising urban infrastructure, reinforcing Brussels’ commitment to environmental sustainability, social equity, and long-term energy security.
As cities across Europe grapple with the dual challenge of climate change and energy affordability, Brussels’ low-carbon heating model could serve as an example for others to follow.
