Brussels, Belgium – The European Commission has given the green light for Belgium to extend the operational life of its Doel 4 and Tihange 3 nuclear reactors, reversing the country’s planned phase-out of nuclear power.
The decision follows a detailed review of state aid provisions included in the deal between the Belgian government and energy company Engie.
The agreement, initially reached in late 2023 under former Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, extends the reactors’ lifespan by ten years, ensuring their operation until 2037 at the latest. The move is seen as a critical step in securing Belgium’s electricity supply amid broader European energy concerns.
Reversal of the Nuclear Phase-Out
Belgium had long planned to phase out nuclear power, with legislation in place to shut down all reactors by 2025. However, the country’s energy strategy shifted following concerns about electricity shortages, rising costs, and the need for a stable supply.
The deal with Engie aims to provide long-term energy security, avoiding over-reliance on imports or fossil fuels.
As part of the agreement, Engie committed to financing nuclear waste management with a fixed amount of €15 billion, while the reactors would operate under a joint venture with Electrabel, a subsidiary of Engie.
EU Scrutiny and Adjustments
Last summer, the European Commission launched an in-depth investigation into the agreement, assessing whether the state aid involved was in line with EU market regulations.
The primary focus was on the price guarantee mechanism for electricity produced by the reactors and the potential impact on competition within the electricity market.
After months of analysis, the Commission concluded on Friday that the support measures were “necessary,” “proportional,” and “limited to the strict minimum.” However, Belgium had to make several modifications to address competition concerns.
One of the key adjustments involved the governance of the joint venture. The Commission required that certain decision-making powers be transferred to an independent energy manager to ensure fair competition. Additionally, the price guarantee mechanism was altered to limit market distortion.
Energy Security Over Politics
The decision to extend the reactors’ lifespan has sparked mixed reactions. Proponents argue that maintaining nuclear power is essential for energy security and stability, particularly given recent volatility in global energy markets. Nuclear energy, they claim, will help Belgium transition towards a lower-carbon economy while avoiding power shortages.
Critics, however, point out that the extension contradicts earlier political commitments to phase out nuclear energy. Environmental groups have expressed concerns over nuclear waste management and potential safety risks.
Some opposition politicians have also questioned the financial terms of the agreement, particularly the €15 billion allocated for nuclear waste disposal.
Looking Ahead
With the European Commission’s approval, Belgium now moves forward with preparations to keep the Doel 4 and Tihange 3 reactors operational beyond their original shutdown dates.
The next steps will involve technical upgrades, regulatory approvals, and ensuring compliance with the revised terms set by the EU.
As Belgium navigates the energy transition, the debate over nuclear power’s role in the country’s future is far from over.
While the extension ensures stability for the next decade, questions remain about Belgium’s long-term energy strategy and how it will balance nuclear power with its broader environmental goals.
