The shutdown of our nuclear power plants
Electrabel is in the process of preparing for the professional shutdown and dismantling of the Belgian nuclear power plants.
Doel 3 stopped on 1 October 2022, followed by Tihange 2 in February 2023. As soon as production stops, the decommissioning of that plant will start.
The decommissioning of the Doel and Tihange power plants: a new industrial challenge in complete safety
The decommissioning will be a very large industrial and environmental project in Belgium. As a nuclear operator, it is our responsibility to see this through to a successful conclusion in a safe, humane, and environmentally friendly manner.
Shutdown of Doel 3 and Tihange 2
In accordance with the Belgian nuclear phase-out law, unit 3 of the Doel nuclear power plant has been permanently disconnected from the grid on Friday 23 September 2022 at 21h31, after 40 years of operation. On Tuesday, January 31, 2023, unit 2 of the Tihange nuclear power plant followed. Doel 3 and Tihange 2 are therefore the first Belgian nuclear power plants to stop producing electricity for good.
New building for temporary storage of spent fuel in Doel and Tihange
At the sites of the nuclear power plants Doel and Tihange Electrabel is constructing a new building where reinforced containers with spent fuel elements can be temporarily stored. This building is named SF² (Spent Fuel Storage Facility) and is essential to be able to start the dismantling following the final shutdown of the power plants.