The Belgian Government announced this Friday an agreement in principle with energy company Engie to extend the useful life of the two nuclear reactors by ten yearsIn an operation where they will be “partners in investments and benefits” to secure energy supply in the context of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which forces EU countries to seek alternatives to Russian gas.
The company will remainSole operator of two reactors, Doel 4 and Thiago 3With a nuclear capacity of 2 GW, Alexander de Croo, as prime minister, wanted to announce at a press conference the agreement, the details of which on the schedule and procedure still need to be defined between now and the end of the year. .
In every situation, The state’s entry into the capital will enable it to participate in “strategic decisions for national security”, The Prime Minister stressed that the details of the investment and program for the reactors to be operational from November 2026 have not yet been defined.
“This is a matter of national security”The Flemish environmental party considered explaining to Energy Minister Tinne Van der Straeten a return to nuclear power “when there is a war in Europe”.
“Of course it will have a cost, but the benefit goes even further. Energy has become a national security issueHe insisted on a deal on energy supply in the future, aimed at giving Belgian industry and citizens “peace of mind”, he said.
We’re going to combine two things, private sector exploitation that better manages it (and on the other hand) strategic decisions that have an impact on national security and the economy”De Croo stressed.
Like this, Engie and the Belgian Government will share “costs and benefits” in extending the useful life of the two reactors. While the Prime Minister has indicated that the company will bear the costs of the planned dismantling of other reactors and landfilling, the Government will determine “how and in what amount”.
Likewise, the Flemish liberal politician, The cost of assuming risks by the state will also provide advantages for “society”. because it will “take control” of profits that can be reinvested, for example, in the development of renewable energies.
In this sense, the parties have agreed to establish a new company. A “stable and permanent structure” that includes the State and Engie Share the “risks and benefits”.