Belgium to extend life of two nuclear reactors by 10 years

• 1 year, 10 months ago (2023-01-10)
• David Flin

Europe 1089 Nuclear 660

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Belgium has agreed with French utility Engie to extend the life of two nuclear reactors by 10 years, overturning a plan to close all nuclear plants by 2025. The change of energy policy is a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The Doel 4 and Tihange 3 reactors – the newest of Belgium’s seven reactors – were due for closure in 2025. However, they will now be restarted in November 2026 after necessary work and will continue operating for 10 years.

Alexander De Croo, Prime Minister of Belgium, said: “The extension of these two nuclear reactors is crucial to guarantee our energy security.”

Belgium’s electricity network operator warned that the country would face a significant shortage in the winter of 2026/27 without the nuclear extension. Even after extending Doel 4 and Tihange 3 – which have a combined capacity of 2 GW – Belgium will still have a potential power generation shortfall in 2025 to 2026.

Tinne Van der Straeten, Belgian Energy Minister, said a joint company in which Engie and the Belgian state would be equal shareholders will operate the reactors.