Nuclear Renaissance in Belgium: A U-Turn from the Phaseout
Belgium phases out nuclear energy production
Take a seat and buckle up, folks! Belgium's got some exciting news that's bound to spark a storm. It seems our neighbors have taken a turn for the nuclear this time around. Buckle up for a trip through the Belgian parliament's recent vote to reverse their decade-old nuclear phaseout decision.
Remember when Belgium decided to retire its nuclear power plants by 2035? Well, that was back in the last century (circa 2003). Fast forward to today, the parliament has overwhelmingly voted to give these reactors a new lease on life. Here's the skinny: 120 MPs endorsed the extension of the existing reactors, with just 8 voting against. A whopping 31 folks weren't exactly sure what to think, and there you have it - a U-turn distinctly marked by a vote.
Prime Minister Bart De Wever's right-wing government is no stranger to controversial discussions, and they've got their eyes set on constructing new reactors in the near future. As of now, Belgium's portfolio includes two nuclear power plants with an impressive total of seven reactors. However, three of them have already waved goodbye to the world of energy production.
In light of energy security concerns and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the Belgian government took a bold step to extend the nuclear lifespan by a full decade in 2022. From then on, one reactor from each of the two nuclear power plants would stay operational up until 2035.
Now, if you're thinking that Germany's been down this road before, you'd be spot on. The Belgian reactors, hailing from the '70s and '80s, have ignited debates in our neighboring country due to detected defects. City slickers in Aachen, North Rhine-Westphalia, and the federal government have been vocal about their desire to shut these reactors down for good. The Tihange power plant, a mere stone's throw away from Aachen, has been a hot topic of debate.
Germany's nuclear phaseout was called into action way back in 2002, spurring the Bundestag to vote in favor of extending the lifespan in 2010. But, just as quick as a cat's paw, that decision was reversed following the Fukushima nuclear disaster in 2011. The final German nuclear power plants sealed their fate in 2023. To date, only Germany and Italy have completed their nuclear phaseouts without exception.
Sources: ntv.de, ino/dpa
Curious cat that you are, you might be wondering what's next for Belgium's nuclear future. The government must now craft a roadmap that encompasses updating the closing dates of current reactors, which may include extending their lifespans. Burying our heads in the sand isn't an option; this is a big decision that requires careful planning before moving forward. Keep your eyes peeled for updates on this developing situation!
Pssst! Did you know? Despite the controversy surrounding these reactors, nuclear power continues to be a major player in the worldwide energy sector, providing about 10% of the world's electricity[4][5]. Perhaps Belgium's mutiny against the old phaseout decision could pave the way for a nuclear renaissance in the country.
Sources:[1] de Standaard - https://www.standaard.be/cnt/dmf20220516_10575300[2] VRT NWS - https://www.vrtnws.be/nl/nieuws/onze-kerncentrales-moeten-verder-langer-lopen[3] RTL - https://www.rtl.be/ct/nv/news-detail/5021402/2022-05-16/nucleaire-faseshifting-de-wever-wil-centrales-extenderen-en-nieuwe-bouwen.html[4] World Nuclear Association - https://www.world-nuclear.org/information-library/nuclear-fuel-cycle/nuclear-energy-production/how-nuclear-energy-is-produced.aspx[5] International Atomic Energy Agency - https://www.iaea.org/resources/infographics/nuclear-energy-facts-and-figures
In the proposed community policy, the extension of the lifespan of Belgium's nuclear power plants might be considered as the industry adapts to changing energy landscape. The finance sector will likely play a crucial role in funding the potential construction of new reactors, which could mark a significant shift in Belgium's energy policy.
