Belgian nuclear plants hit Engie profits

French energy group Engie has reported a sharp fall in profits for the first quarter of 2026, mainly due to the closure of several Belgian nuclear reactors.

The company’s operating profit dropped by 14.7% to €3.52 billion, while revenue fell 11.6% to €20.6 billion.

Engie said its nuclear business was the hardest hit. Profits from that division falling by more than 72% to €111 million. The decline followed the shutdown of the Doel 1, Doel 2 and Tihange 1 reactors, as well as the transfer of Doel 4 and Tihange 3 into a joint venture with the Belgian state as part of plans to extend their lifespan.

Despite the weaker results, Engie said its wider financial outlook for 2026 remains unchanged.

Belgian government and Engie negotiate takeover of all nuclear reactors

The Belgian state and Engie have entered into exclusive negotiations over a possible state takeover of all seven nuclear reactors at Doel and...

belganewsagency.eu

Last week, the Belgian government and Engie also confirmed they had started talks on a possible deal for the state to take over all seven Belgian nuclear reactors. Decommissioning work at the plants has been paused while negotiations continue.

Engie added that the proposed nuclear agreement has not yet had any direct financial impact on the company’s forecasts.

^{Tihange nuclear plant © BELGA PHOTO ERIC LALMAND}