The European Union (EU) has opened a formal investigation to assess whether Belgium’s planned public support for extending the life of its Doel 4 and Tihange 3 nuclear reactors complies with EU rules.
Belgium has reportedly notified the EU Commission of its plan to extend the life of the nuclear reactors, which have a total capacity of 2 gigawatts, by ten years. 89.8 percent of the reactors belong to Engie’s Electrabel, while 10.2 percent belong to EDF’s subsidiary Luminus.
In the statement, which stated that Belgium aims to maintain electricity supply security and keep carbon emissions low, details were also shared about the support the country plans to provide by establishing a partnership with Engie to extend the life of the nuclear reactors in question.
- Approximately 2 billion euros in loans and capital will be provided.
- A difference contract will be made for costs and expenses.
- A loan of approximately 580 million euros will be provided for cash flow.
- A lump sum of 15 billion euros will be allocated for the long-term storage and disposal of nuclear waste and spent fuel.
- Legal protection will be provided against future changes in legislation.
The EU Commission has launched an in-depth investigation to assess whether Belgium’s planned public support for nuclear reactors complies with EU rules. The Commission has the authority to withdraw the public support following the investigation.
The Belgian government decided to extend the operating period of the Doel 4 and Tihange 3 reactors, which it had previously planned to close in 2025, by 10 years in order to avoid electricity supply shortages due to the energy crisis.
