Demir calls for Flemish-Dutch cooperation for additional nuclear energy

Flemish Minister for Energy Zuhal Demir will launch exploratory talks with her Dutch counterpart Rob Jetten regarding a Flemish-Dutch cooperation for the construction of two new nuclear power plants in the Netherlands. That way, she hopes to achieve a win-win situation and strengthen the Flemish energy supply for the long term.

“Energy is a basic facility, which means we should not neglect its importance. We want to discuss the long-term outlook with our Dutch colleagues, in which a Flemish-Dutch cooperation or shared investment in the construction of new nuclear power plants in the Netherlands is just one of several options available. We have no choice but to bet on multiple horses if we want to strengthen our energy supply for the future and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels,” she says.

Energy supply under pressure

Despite several announcements, Belgium is still unable to provide clarity about its nuclear capacity after 2025. Negotiations between Prime Minister De Croo and federal minister Van der Straeten on the one hand, and energy player Engie on the other, are still ongoing. In the meantime, energy supply in Belgium is under increasing pressure, as evidenced by last week's communication. The extension of the operation of the two youngest nuclear power plants would be for just ten years.

The Netherlands to build two new nuclear power plants

“The Netherlands are taking a very different approach compared to Belgium. Yesterday the Dutch government decided to build two new nuclear power plants. The next step is an investigation into their financing and modalities. This obviously also offers opportunities for Flanders," says Demir. Although everyone assumes that the Flemish powers do not cover nuclear energy generation, a cooperation with the Dutch government is, however, within its remit. In recent years, the Flemish Energy and Climate Agency has invested more than EUR 1.5 billion in renewable energy, heat networks, and renovations. A shared investment in nuclear energy with the Netherlands is also an option.

Flemish know-how

The Minister also refers to the available nuclear energy knowledge and expertise in Flanders. Flanders has long led the way in Europe, with the SCK (Belgian Nuclear Research Centre) in Mol and the Doel nuclear power plant. This knowledge is now at risk of being lost because of federal policy, but Demir wants to capitalise on this knowledge and that of our industrial sectors if an actual cooperation with the Netherlands is confirmed.