The continuation of the operation of its nuclear power plants for an additional ten years has been decided by Belgium, as announced by the Prime Minister Alexander De Cro. The government made this move, weighing the new data on energy supply because of it war in Ukraine.
The decision translates into the fact that the Tihange 3 station, near Liege, on the border with Germany (1,038 megawatts), as well as the Doel 4 station, near Antwerp (1,039 MW), will continue to operate until at least 2035.
“The federal government has decided to take the necessary measures to extend the life of the two most recent nuclear reactors by ten years” of Belgium, clarified Mr. De Cro in a press release he published.
The decision implies that there should be a renegotiation with the company that manages these stations, the French Engiewhich was working on the basis of the working hypothesis that they would close in 2025. Large public expenditure may be required for the new agreement.
Mr. De Cro also noted that his plans Belgium they are not just about extending the operation of nuclear power plants. They also include projects to increase the share of renewable energy sources in the Belgian energy mix.
Energy Minister Tine van der Stratten said that according to government plans, Belgium will provide around 30% of the electricity it consumes from renewable sources (wind turbines, photovoltaics, hydrogen…) by 2030, while the use of oil and gas should be reduced. at least 15% in total, in part thanks to the promotion of electrification.
For Mr. De Cro, the extension “will allow us to strengthen the (energy) independence of our country” against the background of geopolitical unrest.
The country ‘s commitment to progressively abandon nuclear energy was enshrined in Belgian law in 2003.
More than half of the electricity consumed in Belgium in 2021 was generated by its nuclear power plantsaccording to network administrator Elia.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24, which boosted oil and gas prices, has forced European governments to reconsider their energy supply choices.
Europe is looking for ways to reduce its energy dependence on Russia, which supplies more than 40% of the gas consumed in the Old Continent, mainly in Germany, Italy and Central European countries.
Source: News Beast
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