Federal government wants to extend life of third nuclear reactor
The Belgian government not only wants to extend the life of the Doel 4 and Tihange 3 nuclear reactors by another 10 years, but also hopes to keep Tihange 1 running beyond its planned closure this year, De Tijd reports. Nuclear operator Engie, grid operator Elia and watchdog FANC remain sceptical.
Energy minister Mathieu Bihet plans to open talks with Engie and EDF Luminus on extending Tihange 1 for another decade, De Tijd writes. Unlike the agreement reached by the previous government to keep Doel 4 and Tihange 3 running until 2035, prolonging the life of Tihange 1 is far less straightforward.
The reactor’s lifespan has been extended once before, by 10 years. Engie, which intends to exit Belgium’s nuclear sector after the current deal, is reluctant to consider another extension. It has previously said it did not see a future in nuclear energy.
Even if Bihet succeeds in his plan, Tihange 1 would need to shut down for several years before a possible restart. Safety upgrades would be required, and the high-voltage grid around Liège will no longer be equipped to handle its output after this year.
Elia is assessing what reinforcements are needed but has warned they would not be ready until 2031 or 2032.
Safety review
FANC has also made clear that the plant would first have to undergo a full 10-year safety review before resuming operations. That process has not even begun and would take several years to complete.
The watchdog further warns the review would require an investment of several billion euros — a major challenge for a government already struggling to rein in Belgium’s budget deficit.
However, there are no real alternatives. Belgium has seven nuclear reactors: four at Doel and three at Tihange. According to FANC, Doel 1 and 2 do not meet today's safety requirements. Doel 3 and Tihange 2 have already been shut down and are scheduled for dismantling.
© BELGA PHOTO NICOLAS MAETERLINCK
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