In Belgium, a compromise has been reached on closing the country’s nuclear power plants. They should be replaced by gas-fired power stations by 2025. Flemish media speak of a ‘Belgian compromise’. Because a plan to extend the life of the nuclear power plants has not yet been completed.
“We need to take a strategic direction in our energy policy,” said Prime Minister Alexander De Croo. But the priority is “security of supply”, ie the prevention of power failures, according to De Croo. “Our people and companies are entitled to that.”
The ‘nuclear exit’ is included in the coalition agreement and is laid down in law. There are several plans for the construction of gas-fired power stations. But no permits have yet been issued for this.
“If the permits are still not completed by March, keeping nuclear power stations open will still be an option on the table,” says correspondent Sander van Hoorn. NPO Radio 1. On March 18, the federal government will make the final decision.
To care
The Belgian nuclear power plants are in poor condition. So there are cracks in the steel walls of the reactor vessels of Tihange 2 and Doel 3. The power stations have to be shut down regularly for repairs and maintenance.
The Netherlands, Germany and Luxembourg were previously concerned about the poor state of maintenance of the nuclear power stations in Doel and Tihange. Last year, the judge decided that Tihange 2 should didn’t have to close.
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