Belgium has officially scrapped its two-decade-old nuclear exit law, marking a historic shift in the country’s energy policy. The legislation, which since 2003 had imposed a timeline for the closure of all nuclear reactors and prohibited the construction of new ones, was overturned this week by the Federal Government.
Energy Minister Mathieu Bihet (MR), a key proponent of the reform, hailed the move as the beginning of a “new energy era.” The law’s revocation eliminates the legal deadline for shutting down Belgium’s nuclear reactors and lifts the ban on new nuclear projects.
“With this new law, Belgium is finally giving itself the means to guarantee an energy mix based on today’s reality,” Bihet said in a press release. “It is no longer a question of pitting energy sources against each other in a binary and sterile way, but of using them pragmatically and complementarily.”
Over the past two decades, the phase-out law faced repeated delays and revisions, particularly in response to energy crises. In the aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the resulting spike in energy prices, Belgium extended the lifespan of its Doel 4 and Tihange 3 reactors until 2035, beyond the initially scheduled 2025 closure.
The new legislation paves the way for a diversified and resilient energy portfolio, something Bihet sees as crucial given current geopolitical tensions. “Strategic diversification is indispensable,” he said. “This step strengthens our energy independence, ensures competitive prices, and accelerates the decarbonisation of our production.”
The reform was made possible by the composition of the new ‘Arizona’ coalition, which excludes the green parties Groen and Ecolo. These parties were instrumental in pushing the original nuclear phase-out, making it politically impossible to abolish the law under previous governments.
Bihet, who introduced the bill during his tenure as a Member of Parliament, described the move as removing “past obstacles to ensure a future-proof energy policy for our country.” While the law doesn’t immediately authorize new construction or further extensions of existing plants, it establishes a regulatory framework for future developments in the nuclear sector.
Speaking to The Brussels Times earlier this month, Bihet emphasized the pragmatic nature of the decision. “The decision to shut down the reactors was ideological, but the decision to reopen them is pragmatic,” he said. He compared the country’s energy strategy to a financial portfolio, arguing against relying on a single source. “Not all your eggs in one basket. Energy should be diversified, resilient, balanced.”
The minister stressed that the reform does not downplay the importance of renewable energy. “Offshore wind, solar, hydrogen electrolysis – these all have their place. But without stable, low-carbon energy, they risk falling short,” he noted.
The reform also holds promise for Belgium’s industrial future, offering opportunities to innovate and create skilled jobs. Implementation will proceed in consultation with industry players, experts, and regulatory authorities.
“This is not just an energy reform,” Bihet said, “but a structural decision for the economic, environmental, and strategic future of our country.”
