A strong basic design
Like most American and European reactors, those of Doel and Tihange are of the type ‘Pressurized Water Reactor’ (PWR). These reactors with water under pressure are among the safest in the world.
The nuclear power plants and safety
Safety is the number one priority in the Belgian nuclear power plants. Find out the many ways in which Electrabel and its partners ensure nuclear safety. The nuclear power plants are also highly secure. You can't just wander in!
How safe is nuclear power?
Strict controls
The safety of the Belgian nuclear power plants is strictly monitored by a number of independent bodies.
Safety above production
Since 2012 the Belgian nuclear power plants have had their ups and downs in terms of availability. Several power stations were shut down for longer periods of time for research, analysis and work programs.
The different pillars of nuclear safety
Nuclear safety is anchored in some basic principles and very strict regulations. A special design, a strong safety culture and frequent quality checks ensure the safe operation of the power stations in Doel and Tihange.
Learning from experience
‘Operating experience management’ is a well-known term in the nuclear sector, where information about experiences and events is shared with all operators worldwide.
No accidents in Belgium
Electrabel has operated 7 nuclear power plants for over 40 years and without accidents that impacted the safety of its staff, neighbors or the environment.
The Belgian nuclear emergency plan
For Electrabel safety is the number one priority. This means not only avoiding incidents, but also being prepared for unforeseen events.
Continuous investment
The Belgian nuclear power plants are in excellent shape and meet the latest international standards.
Chernobyl
The popular TV series Chernobyl makes people wonder whether a similar nuclear accident can also occur in Belgium. That is not the case. The Belgian nuclear power plants are much safer in terms of design, the procedures are audited more stringently and there is much more independent supervision and transparency. Through intensive training and coaching, the staff of our nuclear power plant are made aware of their responsibility and the importance of their professionalism.
All this does not take away the fact that all staff of the power stations are aware of the responsibility they bear and how important their professionalism is. They are therefore also intensively trained and coached.
All this does not take away the fact that all staff of the power stations are aware of the responsibility they bear and how important their professionalism is. They are therefore also intensively trained and coached.
The INES scale
The INES scale (International Nuclear Event Scale) was created after the accidents of Three Mile Island (1979) and Chernobyl (1986). These two events made it clear how difficult it was for the nuclear sector to correctly communicate the seriousness of incidents and accidents to the press and the general public. There was an urgent need for a reference scale for nuclear incidents or accidents.
Security
Anyone wishing to gain access to a nuclear power plant in Belgium must submit an application to the Federal Agency for Nuclear Control (FANC) and the National Safety Authority. Without valid screening with a favorable result, you will not be granted access, not even as a staff member or external employee.