You are here

Energy consumption by transport sector

In 2011, the energy consumption in the (public and private) transport sector of the Brussels-Capital Region represents more than a fifth of Region’s final consumption. It is predominantly assumed by road passenger transportation.
Since 2007, road distances covered by motor vehicles in the Region have remained stable (and have even dropped slightly).

Context

Mobility problems continue to grow. Transport does not only have a considerable impact on traffic problems, but also on energy balances (Regions, Federal, European), which is why a slightly more detailed analysis is appropriate.

Balance of the transport-related energy consumption

The (public and private) transport energy consumption in the Brussels-Capital Region has evidently risen sharply since 1990, accounting for more than a fifth of Brussels' final energy consumption (5,470 GWh, or 26% of the total in 2011). The transport energy consumption can primarily be attributed to road transport, of goods and mainly of passengers. In 2011, road transport accounted for 94% (5,160 GWh) of the total energy consumption within the transport sector. 

Distances covered on the road and fuel prices

 A comparison between the distances covered on the road in the Brussels-Capital Region and the prices of petrol and diesel is instructive as well.

Distances covered by motor vehicles on the roads within the Brussels-Capital Region and evolution of the fuel prices at the pump
Source : Planning bureau, according to the FPS Mobility and Transport and STATBEL

Distances covered by motor vehicles on the roads within the Brussels-Capital Region and evolution of the fuel prices at the pump

Since 2007, we note a stabilisation (and even a slight reduction) of the distances covered by motor vehicles on the roads in the Brussels Region, whilst the petrol and diesel prices started to rise in 2003. The evolution of the fuel prices could therefore be one of the explanatory factors of the stabilisation of the vehicle kilometres covered.
Admittedly, there are also other explanatory elements, such as the saturation of the road network in Brussels, the enhanced performances of vehicle stock, a rationalisation of travel arrangements and the gradual transition of road transport to alternative modes of transport: increased use of public transport (which can transport more passengers over the same travel distance), bicycle, transport by train or by boat (for goods), ...
 

Date de mise à jour: 29/05/2020