The Belgian government announced on Friday a framework in principle with energy company Engie to extend the operating life of two nuclear reactors by ten years. The arrangement positions the parties as partners in investments and benefits, aiming to ensure a steady energy supply as Europe looks for alternatives to Russian gas amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This move signals a deliberate shift toward longer term, domestically controllable energy assets as Belgium navigates a rapidly shifting European energy landscape and the need to safeguard industrial competitiveness for households and businesses alike.
Engie will remain the sole operator of the Doel 4 and Thiago 3 reactors, which together provide a nuclear capacity of 2 gigawatts. Prime Minister Alexander De Croo outlined the deal at a press conference, noting that the schedule and procedural details will be finalized between now and year’s end. He stressed that the state’s participation in capital would allow involvement in strategic decisions tied to national security, though exact investment amounts and the operational plan for bringing the reactors to operation from November 2026 have yet to be defined. The government frames the agreement as a shared risk with the private sector, designed to maintain electricity reliability while aligning with broader climate and energy transition objectives publicly endorsed in national policy documents and climate accords.
The Flemish environmental party argued that restoring a role for nuclear power is prudent given the current security climate, calling for a clear explanation from Energy Minister Tinne Van der Straeten. The party views the move as a necessary step in light of the ongoing European conflict and disruptions in energy markets. Critics within and beyond Flemish circles emphasize transparent budgeting, credible reactor safety assurances, and a robust plan for what happens if geopolitical tensions or technical challenges escalate. Proponents counter that keeping Doel 4 and Thiago 3 online could stabilize prices, reduce dependence on imported gas, and provide a reliable backbone for a gradually expanding renewable sector during the transition period.
De Croo emphasized that there will be costs, but the broader benefits should not be underestimated. Energy security has become a central national priority, and the government aims to guarantee a dependable supply for Belgian industry and households. He stated that the arrangement seeks to deliver long term assurance and stability in the energy system, reducing exposure to volatile global markets. He also noted that public acceptance hinges on transparent governance, rigorous safety oversight, and a clear pathway for evolving generation mix as Belgium pursues its carbon reduction targets over coming decades.
He described the plan as a dual approach: private sector excellence in management paired with strategic state decisions that influence national security and the economy. This combination is expected to strengthen resilience in the energy sector and support continuity of supply even in times of geopolitical tension. The principle behind the structure emphasizes practical governance that respects market efficiency while preserving public oversight on key strategic levers, including safety, waste management, and long term decommissioning responsibilities that remain under governmental stewardship.
Under the terms of the agreement, Engie and the Belgian government would share the costs and benefits tied to extending the reactors’ lifetimes. The government would take responsibility for certain future obligations, including the dismantling of other reactors and the management of relevant landfilling costs, with final details to be settled as part of ongoing negotiations about the project’s budget and financing framework. This distributed financial plan aims to create a predictable funding envelope that can support maintenance, safety upgrades, and eventual end-of-life activities without undermining other essential public investments in climate resilience and infrastructure modernization.
According to the parties, the arrangement also contemplates that the state would bear some investment risks in exchange for future returns. Those returns could be directed toward reinvestment in renewable energy projects and other strategic sectors, helping diversify the country’s energy mix and advance its climate and energy goals. The prospective framework envisions a blended portfolio approach, leveraging private sector efficiency to deliver prompt results while anchoring long term reliability through state oversight and risk-sharing mechanisms aligned with national policy objectives around energy sovereignty and sustainable growth.
The decision to proceed with a joint structure is designed to ensure continuity and predictability. A new company would be created to serve as a stable, long term vehicle for governance, enabling the state and Engie to share both the risks and the benefits of the extended operation. This structure aims to maintain a balanced approach, safeguarding public interests while leveraging private sector capital for the energy transition. In practical terms, the new entity would coordinate investment planning, safety compliance, decommissioning schedules, and the integration of potential renewable contingencies, all under a governance framework that reinforces accountability and public confidence in how Belgium secures its electricity future.