Belgium halts nuclear decommissioning, targets nationalisation of seven-reactor fleet with ENGIE
Government seeks agreement by October on acquiring the entire nuclear fleet, including assets, liabilities, and decommissioning obligations.
Belgium has officially suspended the decommissioning of its nuclear power plants, a move that reverses the 2003 policy to phase out nuclear energy by 2025. Prime Minister Bart De Wever announced the decision on Thursday, citing urgent energy security concerns and the country's heavy dependence on gas imports for electricity. The government argues that maintaining domestic nuclear capacity is essential to reduce reliance on fossil fuel imports and secure control over the national energy supply.
The administration intends to negotiate the nationalisation of the entire nuclear fleet with current operator ENGIE. This proposed acquisition would encompass all seven reactors, associated personnel, nuclear subsidiaries, and every related asset and liability, including the complex obligations for decommissioning and dismantling. ENGIE has confirmed that it has signed a letter of intent with the Belgian government, establishing exclusive negotiations regarding the potential transfer of the complete nuclear fleet.
This strategic shift follows a significant political reversal last year, when the Belgian parliament voted by a large majority to end the long-standing phase-out plan. The debate over the fate of the ageing installations has persisted for decades, complicated by the nation's struggle to significantly expand renewable power generation. Consequently, the country remains heavily dependent on imported gas to meet its electricity needs, a vulnerability the government now aims to address through state ownership of nuclear assets.
Prime Minister De Wever stated that the government is choosing safe, affordable, and sustainable energy to ensure greater independence. While the immediate focus is on securing the existing infrastructure, the administration also aims to construct new nuclear power plants in the future to further bolster energy security. The scope of the deal is comprehensive, designed to cover the full lifecycle of the nuclear fleet, ensuring that the state assumes responsibility for both current operations and future dismantling costs.
A preliminary agreement between the government and ENGIE is expected to be concluded by October. However, specific terms beyond the scope of assets and liabilities remain undetailed at this stage. The timeline for reaching a final, binding agreement is estimated but not guaranteed, and the feasibility and schedule for building new reactors remain undefined. Additionally, it is not yet fully specified how the nationalisation will impact the remaining operational reactors versus the three that have already been taken off the grid.
