In March 2022, the government decided to keep nuclear power plants. Isn’t that too late?
In the coalition agreement of 30 September 2020, the government confirmed its ambition to phase out nuclear power by the end of 2025, as also laid down in the 2003 Act, which the then government approved. An operating extension for the two youngest plants, Doel 4 and Tihange 3, could only be considered if the security of supply were to be compromised.
Electrabel has repeated the prerequisites for ensuring the safe extension of Doel 4’s and Tihange 3’s operations.
On March 18, ENGIE has taken note of the Belgian government's decision to evolve its energy policy and extend the lifetime of nuclear power plants until 2035, in light of the current geopolitical situation.
ENGIE will contribute to this thought exercise by co-operating with the government in analysing the feasibility and conditions for implementing the solutions envisaged at this stage.
The decision to extend the lifetime of the Doel 4 and Tihange 3 nuclear power plants is subject to major safety, regulatory and implementation requirements - particularly as this extension would start at a time when dismantling activities at the other units have already started. This creates a risk profile that, because of its unanticipated nature and scope, exceeds the regular activities of a private operator. Therefore, the approach taken must allow for a structural balancing of the interests of the parties involved and an appropriate division of risks and opportunities.
In the meantime, our main mission remains the safe and reliable production of electricity as well as prepare for the professional dismantling of our nuclear power plants.