Doel, Belgium – Belgium’s Doel 1 nuclear reactor was permanently shut down on Friday at 11:37 p.m., marking a significant step in the country’s nuclear phase-out.
The reactor’s operator, Engie, confirmed the shutdown, making it the third Belgian reactor to be decommissioned in recent years, following Doel 3 in 2022 and Tihange 2 in 2023.
The closure comes as part of Belgium’s long-term energy strategy, which aims to gradually phase out nuclear power in favor of renewable energy sources. Doel 2 is set to follow, with its shutdown scheduled for November 30, 2025.
Extended Lifespan and Decommissioning Plans
Doel 1 began operations in 1974 and was initially set to shut down after 40 years, in line with Belgian law. However, in 2015, the government under then-Prime Minister Charles Michel extended its operational lifespan by another 10 years, allowing the reactor to continue running until this year.
Now, with its final shutdown complete, the lengthy and complex process of decommissioning begins. Engie has outlined a timeline that includes a five-year cooling period for spent nuclear fuel, followed by a 10-year dismantling and demolition phase.
While the site will eventually be repurposed for industrial activities, spent nuclear fuel will remain stored in temporary on-site facilities due to the lack of a permanent national storage solution. The Belgian government has yet to determine a long-term disposal strategy for radioactive waste.
Impact on Belgium’s Energy Future
Belgium’s nuclear phase-out policy has been a topic of debate, particularly concerning the country’s energy security. Nuclear power currently supplies around 35% of Belgium’s electricity, and concerns persist about whether renewable energy and natural gas can fully compensate for the loss of nuclear-generated electricity.
To address potential energy shortages, Belgium has implemented measures such as expanding offshore wind farms and signing agreements for natural gas imports. Additionally, the federal government has extended the operation of two newer reactors—Tihange 3 and Doel 4—until at least 2035, citing energy security concerns amid geopolitical uncertainties.
Future of the Doel Site
With Doel 1 and Doel 3 now offline, discussions are underway regarding the future use of the site. While plans include redevelopment for industrial activities, certain restrictions will remain in place due to radiation safety protocols.
The region surrounding the Doel nuclear plant, located near the port city of Antwerp, has been a focal point of Belgium’s energy production for decades. The gradual decommissioning of its reactors marks the end of an era and a shift toward a different energy landscape.
As Belgium continues its transition away from nuclear power, the decommissioning of Doel 1 serves as a reminder of the challenges and complexities involved in dismantling nuclear infrastructure while ensuring a stable energy future.
