CRM in Belgium: Big Changes, Bigger Opportunities with your electrical assets

Belgium’s Capacity Remuneration Mechanism (CRM) is evolving—and with it, new ways to generate revenue from your flexible electrical assets. Whether you operate batteries, CHPs, or flexible consumption, the updated CRM rules offer more visibility and value than ever before.

What is the CRM?

The CRM is a subsidy mechanism designed to ensure the long-term security of Belgium’s electricity supply. It rewards capacity providers who are available during peak demand or grid stress situations.
With the Belgian nuclear phase-out and growing reliance on renewables, this mechanism is now a cornerstone of Belgium’s energy system - and a strategic revenue stream for flexible assets.

Why now?

In 2025, Elia introduced several major updates to the CRM framework that make participation more attractive—particularly for demand-side response and storage.

Key Takeaways:

• No more payback risk for demand-side response and batteries
• Multi-year contracts now open to existing capacity
• A new Year-2 auction expands participation windows
• Pre-qualification is required by June 15th

With 475 MW contracted and a 100% success rate in the previous auction, Flexcity has the track record to support your participation. In 2025, Elia introduced several major updates to the CRM framework that make participation more attractive - particularly for demand-side response and storage.

What’s the business case?

Revenue will depend on your asset’s derated capacity and its pricing in the auction. Participation also requires operational readiness during Availability Monitoring Trigger (AMT) moments, when electricity spot prices exceed a specific strike price set by Elia. 

The potential payoff? A stable, forecastable revenue stream—complementary to other services like mFRR, aFRR and FCR. Next to that, the CRM is set up in a way that your revenues from participating are never below zero.

Watch the Webinar

On April 1st, Flexcity hosted a live session to walk through all recent changes, auction mechanisms, and how to best position your assets.  Whether you're new to the CRM or looking to optimise your strategy, our experts can help you to prepare, qualify, bid—and deliver.