Yesterday the nuclear cabinet decided that the two youngest nuclear power plants – Doel 4 and Tihange 3 – will remain open for ten years longer. Normally the nuclear power plants would close in 2025, but the war in Ukraine has changed this course. But is it actually possible to keep two nuclear power plants open longer than planned?
Yesterday, after hours of meetings, the federal government finally made decisions about the nuclear phase-out. Given the current circumstances, it will be postponed. In concrete terms, the two youngest nuclear power stations will remain open for ten years longer. However, the most important task is yet to come.
Prime Minister Alexander De Croo (Open Vld) and Energy Minister Tinne Van der Straeten (Green) have yet to ask Engie whether it is even possible to keep Doel 4 and Tihange 3 open for longer. Engie has maintained for the past few months that that is impossible. “It is by no means certain that the deadline will be met,” Van der Straeten himself admitted.
“We have repeatedly said in recent years that an extension is a complex industrial process. There are all kinds of requirements and limitations associated with this that we have to take into account,” said spokeswoman Hellen Smeets at Radio 1. According to the spokeswoman for Engie, a preparation time of five years must be taken into account – due to the many obstacles. “We are of course taking into account the current geopolitical situation and concerns about security of supply.”
“Exceptional moment”
Prime Minister De Croo spoke yesterday of an “exceptional moment when everyone must take responsibility”. He also has no doubts about European approval. “They also realize that this is an exceptional moment. This plan is feasible, although there are still a lot of steps to be taken.”
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