The 952 MW Tihange 1 nuclear reactor has been disconnected after 50 years of operation in Liege, Belgium. Tihange 1, co-owned by Engie and EDF Belgium, started commercial operations in October 1975 and it had already received a 10-year life extension after its 40 years of operating lifetime. During its lifetime, the reactor produced about 327 TWh of electricity, equivalent to the avoidance of 148 MtCO2 emissions. The closure represents the fourth unit out of the country’s seven to permanently shut down.
After concerns about energy supply, the Belgian government decided to extend the lifetime of its newest NPP’s (Doel-4 and Tihange-3) for an additional 10 years. The Tihange-1 and Doel-2 were considered for another life extension, but it was later decided against since Engie indicated it was not prepared to undertake the necessary investment and risks to do the necessary safety upgrades and the periodic safety reviews. Doel 2 is scheduled to stop at the end of November 2025.
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