Belgian Legislature to discuss fast-tracking nuclear phase-out
Belgium’s Chamber of Representatives (CoR) is expected to discuss fast-tracking a nuclear phase-out law when they meet in Brussels today.
The nuclear phase-out law, introduced in 2003, stipulated that all nuclear plants must be decommissioned upon reaching an operational age of 40; at the time, all plants would reach this point by 2025. The decommissioning of existing plants was delayed by a center-left/greens coalition in March 2022 by 10 years due to the impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on energy prices. There are currently two operational nuclear reactors in Belgium.
Energy minister Van der Straeten reached an agreement with French energy company Engie to operate the plants until 2035. This is despite concern from neighbouring companies about the operational safety of the plants, which have shown structural fatigue since 2012. The policy shift from such a left-leaning government has demonstrated the geopolitical challenges with driving a green-energy shift in Belgium, 35% of which comes from nuclear energy.
Expect the CoR to agree to expedite the nuclear phase out law due to Belgium’s insufficient energy production and the volatile European energy market. Van Der Straeten will stress the necessity of the law for a smooth transition to green energy, citing Engie’s safety record in France to address environmental concerns.