Key questions about the nuclear power plants
This page provides you with answers to the most frequently asked questions about the current situation surrounding our nuclear power plants.
Until the end of 2021, the Belgian government's intention was to shut down all nuclear plants by the end of 2025, in line with the 2003 nuclear phase out act. But then the war in Ukraine started, which severely impacted the global energy markets.
To help ensure energy security, the government therefore opted to extend the operation of Doel 4 and Tihange 3 nuclear power plants by 10 years. After intensive talks, ENGIE and the government concluded several key interim agreements on the conditions for this extension in 2022 and 2023. Last summer, the two partners also signed the first legally binding documents to achieve this extension.
What was agreed between ENGIE and the Belgian government on the 10-year operating extension of Doel 4 and Tihange 3?
Every effort will be made to get the powers plants up and running by November 2025 so that they can supply electricity to the country as early as in the winter of 2025-2026.
How will Doel 4 and Tihange 3 be prepared for the extension?
Extension projects consist of 2 parts: an engineering phase and an implementation phase. The nuclear safety authorities keep a close eye on everything.
How will the extension of Doel 4 and Tihange 3 impact employment?
Generating nuclear power is a labour-intensive process requiring highly specialized and highly trained staff. The Doel and Tihange nuclear power plants mostly employ Electrabel staff, but a large number of outside contractors/service providers is typically brought in if investments are carried or maintenance work is performed.
Is it not possible to only run nuclear power plants when there is not enough renewable energy available?
Starting up a nuclear power plant is a complex process that takes several days. A great number of parameters must be optimised to perfectly manage the chain reaction in the reactor.
How safe is nuclear power in Belgium?
Belgium's nuclear power plants are safe. Electrabel has been operating them responsibly for more than 40 years, benefiting both people and the environment.
Are the Belgian nuclear power plants doing better in terms of availability than in other countries?
Since 2000 the Belgian nuclear power stations have produced electricity on average 80 % of the time. This is in line with the international average (over the period 2000 to 2018) of 78.9 %.
What is nuclear dismantling?
Nuclear dismantling means that the area in which the nuclear power stations are located is released after the phase of electricity production and can be used for a different industrial purpose.
Radioactive Waste
Radioactive waste is the collective name for all material containing radioactive elements for which no practical applications are known. It originates from e.g. the medical sector, the industry or electricity production.