Flanders rolls out the red carpet for small modular reactors
Flanders is preparing to host small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs), compact next-generation power plants that could provide cheaper, more reliable energy. Minister president Matthias Diependaele says the government is working with industry to create a long-term roadmap.
While SMRs won’t lower energy bills immediately, they could help energy-intensive sectors like chemicals and manufacturing. Industry groups warn Belgium can’t rely on wind and solar alone. “Electricity in France costs 20 euros less per megawatt hour, largely due to nuclear,” Luc Sterckx of Febeliec told De Tijd.
Flanders already has strong nuclear expertise at SCK CEN and Tractebel, and manufacturers like Anglo Belgian Corporation are exploring SMR projects. Diependaele stressed cooperation with the federal government will be essential, as nuclear policy is federally controlled.
“At the Port House [in Antwerp], we are launching the Flemish SMR Alliance with our companies, ports, federations and knowledge institutions," Diependaele wrote on X. "We are focusing on SMRs - small modular reactors - that will make our energy more secure, affordable and sustainable. A new step towards a stronger Flemish industry.”
Question of investment
Voka suggests identifying sites in Doel, Mol, Dessel, Geel and near industrial hubs. Companies also see opportunities to use nuclear for heat and hydrogen, not just electricity. However, SCK director Peter Baeten warns that fast deployment would likely rely on non-European technology.
”This is a new step towards a stronger Flemish industry”
The key question is who will invest. The Flemish investment fund PMV is exploring options. Industrial players, however, remain cautious about direct involvement.
The Flemish initiative follows a federal policy shift: in May, the Chamber of Representatives repealed the 2003 nuclear exit law, allowing Belgium to plan new nuclear projects and marking “a turning point in Belgian energy history”, according to Energy minister Mathieu Bihet of MR.
#FlandersNewsService | SCK CEN nuclear research centre © BELGA PHOTO ROBBE VANDEGEHUCHTE
Related news
