On the bonus linked to renovation in Wallonia
“For this year 2023, we have a budget of 90 million euros. More than double what was spent last year. Since the crisis, more and more people want to insulate their building and reduce their energy consumption. And so the government accompanies the citizen with increasingly larger grants and loans. We are looking to boost the renovation of buildings”, explains Philippe Henry.
Philippe Henry relies on energy communities to boost renewables
But who is entitled to these bonuses? “Everyone”, replies the Minister of Energy. “But there is a variation in amounts depending on income levels. Up to times six. It can go up to €60 per square meter to renovate your roof, for example. The roof is really one of the first important elements. A lot of heat is lost through this place”.
The Minister acknowledges that information is not always easy to find concerning the various premiums: “We are working to simplify the information available”. The reference site is jediminuemafacture.be. An accompaniment can also be made by the telephone number 1718.
The amounts vary according to income levels. Up to times six.
On building insulation
”Insulating your building will gradually become mandatory. But it’s complex. Sometimes municipalities are overwhelmed with requests. In the short term, we are therefore not under an obligation, but we are going to do so gradually over the next few years. With each building purchase, probably around 2026-2027, you will have to reach a certain energy level within 5 years after purchase. By 2050, we must reach level A of the PEB, at European level”.
Is the PEB an ideological and punitive machine?
”Today, in Wallonia, more than half of the buildings are at the worst PEB level. At levels F and G. Half of Walloon homes are energy sieves. There are far too few buildings in PEB A”, emphasizes Philippe Henry. A partnership has therefore been set up with the construction sector.
Half of Walloon homes are energy sieves
On the highways for bicycles
Philippe Henry being also Minister of Mobility, LN24 returned to the future “motorways for bicycles”. Philippe Henry explains the project in detail: “These are long routes which are very efficient on the bike, so as not to be caught in traffic. These 10 cyclostrades are there to make long trips and reach the big cities”.
Will two-wheelers soon be a utilitarian mode of transport? A first “bicycle highway” should link Wallonia to Brussels in 2023
”Going from Wavre to Brussels, it will be possible The work is planned for this year and next year. It is a reality that is now being translated.”
These are long runs that are very efficient on a bike, so you don’t get caught up in traffic.
On the terminals to recharge your car
Regarding electric cars, the Minister of Mobility indicated that more and more terminals were needed. “A deployment plan is underway with Sofico to have fast-charging motorway terminals every 60 kilometers. By 2026, there should be 4,000 terminals installed in Wallonia.”
By 2026, there should be 4,000 terminals installed in Wallonia
Philippe Henry (Ecolo): “No, the electric car is not the miracle solution”