Belgium stops decommissioning nuclear power plants
3 hours ago
- #Nuclear Energy
- #Nationalization
- #Belgium Energy Policy
- Belgium halts decommissioning of nuclear power plants, as announced by Prime Minister Bart De Wever on April 30, 2026.
- The government plans to nationalize the plants through negotiations with operator ENGIE, aiming for safe, affordable, and sustainable energy while reducing dependence on fossil imports.
- ENGIE has signed a letter of intent for exclusive talks, covering the potential acquisition of seven reactors, personnel, subsidiaries, and all related assets and liabilities.
- A basic agreement is targeted by October, following a 2023 parliamentary vote to end the nuclear phase-out initially set for 2025 due to delays from political debate and energy security concerns.
- Belgium currently relies heavily on gas imports for electricity and has struggled to expand renewable power, with seven reactors at two sites, three of which are already offline.