Belgium’s nuclear safety standards are on par with those of France, the Netherlands, Germany, and Switzerland, according to a report submitted by the Federal Agency for Nuclear Control (FANC) to the federal government on Monday.
However, the report highlights differences in the implementation of regulations across countries and even between individual reactors.
The newly formed government, seeking to extend nuclear capacity in the short term while investing in new energy sources for the future, commissioned the FANC to assess how Belgium’s safety requirements compare to other nations with similar nuclear technology.
High Level of Safety Across Nuclear Facilities
“The general conclusion is that all countries in this report ensure a high level of safety for their nuclear facilities,” FANC stated. “Regulations everywhere provide a similar level of safety, but implementation differs depending on the local situation.”
Belgium adheres to the Western European Nuclear Regulators Association (WENRA) reference levels, as do the other countries examined. These standards, which have been updated over time, were made mandatory in Belgium via a royal decree in 2011.
While Belgium is stricter in some areas, other nations impose tighter regulations in different aspects, according to the FANC analysis.
Need for Continuous Regulatory Enhancements
Belgium has introduced additional safety requirements beyond WENRA’s baseline standards, particularly regarding reactor resilience to plane crashes, shared control systems at twin-plant sites like Doel 1 and 2, and automated safety operations.
These extra measures stem from Belgium’s specific geographic conditions, such as nuclear plants located near ports, airports, and densely populated areas.
FANC emphasized the importance of continuous improvement in nuclear regulations to maintain the highest safety levels. It noted that even the country’s oldest reactors should strive to meet the safety standards of modern plants like Doel 4 and Tihange 3.
NGOs Push for Safer Energy Transition
While the report reassures the public about Belgium’s stringent safety measures, environmental organizations Greenpeace and Bond Beter Leefmilieu welcomed FANC’s conclusions, warning against any potential relaxation of safety standards for older reactors.
Preparations for the decommissioning of Doel 3 and Tihange 2 are underway, while the government is considering extending the operational lifespans of Doel 1, Doel 2, and Tihange 1 beyond 2025.
However, a periodic safety review and further studies will be necessary to ensure these older reactors comply with current regulations.
Greenpeace and Bond Beter Leefmilieu argue that Belgium’s high population density necessitates the strictest possible safety standards.
They urged the government to prioritize investments in a sustainable energy transition, including offshore wind power, improved grid connections with neighboring countries, and increased energy efficiency measures.
As Belgium navigates its energy future, the FANC report underscores the nation’s commitment to nuclear safety while fueling debate over the role of nuclear power in its long-term energy strategy.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
