Bert Wollants says: “Van der Straeten simply sticks to her own dogmas to push the nuclear phase-out through”

“While a nuclear renaissance is blowing across Europe, here we are continuing to use a massive amount of taxpayers’ money for dirtier air and electricity.” MP and N-VA energy specialist Bert Wollants is extremely displeased about green Energy Minister Tinne Van der Straeten’s request to close the nuclear power plants. It is clear to Bert Wollants that Van der Straeten has done everything she can to make the decision fit in with the anti-nuclear discourse as far as possible.

In a paper to the top ministers of the federal government, Minister Van der Straeten asks to go ahead with the full nuclear phase-out. A mistake, says Bert Wollants. “More than half a billion euros will have to be paid for the full nuclear phase-out that the Groen party absolutely wants to push through. And even at that price they can’t guarantee the energy supply. Moreover, the report does not in any serious manner examine keeping two nuclear power plants open. In fact, the minister simply admits that she has not properly examined the decision to keep the nuclear power plants open longer. I can only conclude that this all seems deliberate.”

Harmful to citizens, businesses and the climate

It is clear to Bert Wollants that Van der Straeten has done everything she can to make the decision fit in with the anti-nuclear discourse as much as possible. “This will be harmful to citizens, businesses and, above all, the climate. Furthermore, she is not respecting the coalition agreement. Her coalition partners cannot possibly agree to this. While a nuclear renaissance is blowing across Europe, here we are continuing to use a massive amount of taxpayers’ money for dirtier air and electricity.”