Belgium has abandoned its nuclear phaseout initiative, sparking a significant shift in energy policy as the country seeks to reassess its energy mix amid growing uncertainty.
The Belgian parliament has voted to scrap the country’s planned nuclear phaseout, marking a significant shift in energy policy. The decision was made with 102 votes in favor, eight against, and 31 abstentions.
In 2003, Belgium announced its decision to phase out nuclear power by 2025.
The country aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to renewable energy sources.
Currently, about 40% of Belgium's electricity comes from nuclear power plants.
To meet the phaseout target, new coal-fired and gas-powered plants are being built, while existing 'nuclear reactors' are being decommissioned.
The shift towards renewable energy is expected to be gradual, with a focus on wind and solar power.
In 2003, Belgium passed a law for the gradual phasing out of nuclear energy, with plans to close all nuclear power plants by 2025 at the latest. However, in 2022, the country delayed this deadline by 10 years due to energy uncertainty triggered by Russia’s war in Ukraine. The previous coalition government, which included environmentalist parties opposed to scrapping the phaseout, has now been replaced by a conservative-led coalition.
Energy Minister Mathieu Bihet described the decision as a ‘decisive step for the economic, environmental, and strategic future of our country.’ He emphasized that this move is not just an energy reform but a crucial step towards a realistic and resilient energy model.
Belgium currently operates two nuclear power plants, both run by the French energy firm ‘Engie‘. Nuclear energy accounts for around 40% of the country’s power generation, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).
Other European countries are also reassessing their nuclear policies. The Netherlands and Sweden plan to build new nuclear plants, while Italy has opened the door to a return to nuclear energy. ‘Germany made a similar pledge in 2011 following the Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan.’ Interestingly, a recent poll in Germany found that 55% of respondents favor revisiting its nuclear policy.
The European Union's (EU) nuclear policy is shaped by its member states' individual approaches to nuclear energy.
France, the EU's largest nuclear producer, has been a strong advocate for 'nuclear power' , while Germany and Belgium have implemented or planned phase-outs.
The EU's Euratom treaty regulates nuclear trade and safety standards, ensuring a common framework across member states.
The European Commission plays a crucial role in shaping policy, with proposals on nuclear safety, waste management, and research funding.
Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), believes that a German return to nuclear power would be ‘logical.’ The shift in energy policies in Europe highlights the evolving landscape of nuclear energy in the region.
Nuclear policy has undergone significant changes since its inception.
Initially, nuclear weapons were developed for military purposes during World War II.
The first nuclear policy was the Manhattan Project, which aimed to create atomic bombs before Nazi Germany could.
Post-WWII, the United States and Soviet Union engaged in a nuclear arms race, leading to the development of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs).
The 1960s saw the introduction of nuclear non-proliferation policies, including the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) in 1968.
Today, nuclear policy continues to evolve with efforts towards disarmament and non-proliferation.
