The European Commission has approved a revised Belgian support measure for the lifetime extension of two nuclear reactors in Belgium, namely Doel 4 and Tihange 3. Under a nuclear phase-out law of 2003, all seven nuclear reactors in Belgium had to be closed by 2025. However, in March 2022, in light of concerns about security of energy supply in, the Belgian federal government decided to keep its two newest nuclear power plants, Doel 4 and Tihange 3, which total 2 GW, open for an additional 10 years. In June 2024, Belgium notified the European Commission of its plan to support this lifetime extension.
The plan includes the creation of “BE-NUC”, a newly created 50:50 joint-venture between the Belgian State and Electrabel (ENGIE), to cover the necessary capital expenditure; a contract-for-difference, ensuring stable revenues for a period of 10 years and limiting excess remuneration; as well as further financial protective mechanisms, such as a loan and an operating cashflow guarantee. The scheme also includes a transfer of liabilities from Electrabel to the Belgian State concerning nuclear waste and spent fuel, against the payment of a lumpsum of €15bn.
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