Since May 2020, Electrabel has been constructing a new building on the site of the Tihange nuclear power plant. The building is called SF² (Spent Fuel Storage Facility) and will house reinforced containers for spent fuel elements coming from the electricity generation of the three units at the site. The construction and operation of this building is necessary for the temporary storage of spent fuel on the site with a view to the decommissioning of the facilities and pending a final decision on the storage of the spent fuel.

The hydrogen flakes in the walls of the reactor vessel of Tihange 2 have not evolved and no new indications have been added. This is the result of a follow-up inspection, which was carried out during the planned overhaul of Tihange 2. The Federal Agency for Nuclear Control has therefore no objection to the restart of the reactor.

Every year, Doel and Tihange nuclear power stations publish environmental statements describing their environmental impact and the measures taken to assure safety, protect the environment, and guarantee the well-being of their staff.

Electrabel continues to make every effort to guarantee nuclear safety in Belgian nuclear power plants during the Covid-19 crisis, and to contribute to the security of energy supplies in Belgium with carbon-free electricity. The power plants in Doel and Tihange jointly supply about 50% of Belgium’s electricity needs, allowing hospitals and care institutions to stay open in these exceptional times, even when there is not enough renewable energy available.