Parliamentary Committee repeals nuclear phase-out law

The Energy Committee of the Belgian Federal Parliament has approved the repeal of the 2003 law on the nuclear phase-out. The bill now only requires approval from the full chamber. “This government is sending a clear signal to the world: nuclear energy has a future in this country,” said MP Bert Wollants with satisfaction.

Twenty years wasted on debate

The phase-out law originally set a final date for shutting down Belgium’s seven nuclear reactors and banned the construction of new nuclear capacity. Over the past two decades, the law was amended several times, including provisions to keep certain reactors operational for longer. The government had already decided to extend the lifespan of Doel 4 and Tihange 3 by ten years, in part due to the war in Ukraine and rising energy prices.

“Nuclear power no longer off the table”

“Changing the law doesn’t mean a nuclear plant will appear overnight,” said MP Bert Wollants. “But by repealing the phase-out law, we are reopening a path that was closed by the Verhofstadt government. This government is making it clear that nuclear power is part of our future. Ruling out that technology is outdated.”

High Council for Energy Supply set to be established this year

Wollants also confirmed that the High Council for Energy Supply will be established this year, as stipulated in the coalition agreement. The council will be tasked with providing advice and ensuring that energy supply remains secure in the years to come.