Belgium Reverses Nuclear Phase-Out Decision

In a significant shift in energy policy, the Belgian Parliament has voted overwhelmingly to reverse its previous commitment to phase out nuclear power. A total of 102 members supported extending the operational lifespan of the country's existing nuclear reactors, while only eight opposed the move, and 31 abstained from the vote.

This decision comes from the right-leaning government led by Prime Minister Bart De Wever, which is also considering the construction of new nuclear reactors. Currently, Belgium operates two nuclear power plants housing a total of seven reactors. However, three of these reactors have already been decommissioned.

The discussion surrounding the nuclear phase-out has been ongoing for many years in Belgium. The country initially legislated its exit from nuclear energy in 2003, with plans to shut down the remaining reactors at the Doel facility near Antwerp and the Tihange plant by 2025. Over time, this timeline has faced multiple revisions due to ongoing debates regarding energy security.

In light of the geopolitical tensions resulting from Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the government decided in 2022 to postpone the nuclear phase-out by an additional ten years, allowing one reactor from each of the two facilities to remain operational until 2035.

The situation concerning Belgian nuclear reactors has raised concerns in neighboring Germany, where discussions about safety issues have persisted. The reactors, built in the 1970s and 80s, have been scrutinized for various deficiencies, including the deterioration of concrete components. Local authorities in North Rhine-Westphalia, particularly in Aachen, have repeatedly called for the shutdown of these aging facilities, which are located approximately 60 kilometers from the German border.

Germany itself has committed to phasing out nuclear power, having passed legislation to end its reliance on atomic energy in 2002, culminating in the shutdown of the last operational plants in 2023. The contrasting approaches to nuclear energy between Belgium and Germany highlight the complexities involved in energy policy in the region, particularly in the context of ensuring a stable and secure energy supply.