deBuren

Prof. William D'Haeseleer is a civil engineer specialising in energy and nuclear physics and is the energy expert in Flanders. He was chairman of the Energie 2030 Committee, which was commissioned by the federal government to help draw up Belgium's energy policy. The publication of the committee's report led to intense political discussion.

According to William D'Haeseleer, ensuring a reliable, clean and affordable energy supply is one of the greatest challenges of the twenty-first century. There are no simple solutions because the energy issue has consequences for the whole world.

The problems of energy supply are closely linked to energy efficiency and therefore practical energy saving. This requires a change in mentality but how is that possible without reducing comfort, prosperity or welfare?

The energy problem is multi-faceted and cannot be solved with slogans or simple prescriptions. It is not a question of either this or that. The solution lies in a 'and-and' approach: measures must be taken simultaneously at many levels if one wants to tackle the problem efficiently and guarantee results.