Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever announced a deal with French energy giant Engie to conduct feasibility studies for a full takeover of the country's nuclear fleet and halt decommissioning activities, according to major media reports. The country's parliament repealed the 2003 law to shut down all nuclear reactors in May 2025, the same reports indicated. According to the same reports, the deal aims to reach an agreement on the takeover of the nuclear fleet by 1 October.
Soaring electricity prices, driven by disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and Middle East uncertainty, have pushed Belgium's inflation to 4% in April, major media outlets reported. Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine partly derailed the country's nuclear phase-out plans, according to the same reports. Belgium has seven nuclear reactors at Doel and Tihange, but only Doel 4 and Tihange 3 are operational, with licenses extended until 2035, as per media coverage. The government may consider further extensions, the reports added.
This government opts for secure, affordable, and sustainable energy. With less dependence on fossil fuel imports and more control over our own supply.
Energy Minister Mathieu Bihet called the decision a 'coherent political vision' that will ensure cheaper energy prices and a reliable supply. According to Euronews, Bihet described the revival as momentum materialising after the enabling law. A joint statement from the government and Engie said the move ensures long-term energy supply, security, climate goals, and economic prosperity. It remains unclear how much Belgium will pay for this nuclear renaissance, according to reports. In 2024, under a previous government led by Alexander de Croo, Belgium hosted a landmark nuclear summit that drew eleven EU countries to back a declaration boosting nuclear energy, multiple reports confirmed.
Less than a year after the law enabling the return of nuclear energy in Belgium came into force, this momentum is already materialising through our determination to regain control of our assets and capabilities.