ABSTRACT
In the case of electricity and oil products, the supply of energy at the national level is mainly a private sector business while the supply of natural gas and the import of coal is managed by national public enterprises. For electricity generation and oil products public interventions also exist, particularly concerning strategic planning and minimum and maximum price levels. The economy of Gent is based on its seaport facilities and the heavy industry attracted by these facilities. As regards natural gas, households are the largest consumers, taking about two-thirds of the natural gas supply. In the electricity sector the non-domestic users (offices and industries) are more prominent consumption categories. In general, standards and requirements concerning waste and waste processing have become much stricter. Moreover, prevention of waste production and reduction of the volume of waste have become important new policy goals.
