Extension of Belgian reactors’ operational duration approved by Parliament

The bill providing for the extension of the operational duration of the nuclear reactors, Doel 1 and 2, was adopted on 19 June 2015 in plenary session at the lower house of the Belgian Parliament. The national nuclear regulator (FANC) still needs to give its final green light.
Many nuclear power plants (NPPs) globally have already been operated for over 40 years: in the Netherlands, in Switzerland, in Sweden, in the UK, in Russia etc. In addition, tens of NPPs in the United States have already been granted a license by the national regulator to operate for 60 years.

Nuclear energy is a major component of Belgium’s energy mix accounting for 50% of total electricity production and is part of the solution to achieve a low-carbon economy. Nuclear provides a solution together with renewables to the climate and energy challenges the country faces. It plays a vital role in securing stable power production costs, ensuring security of supply, boosting competitiveness and supplying low-carbon electricity. Belgium is a pioneer in nuclear technology and has an outstanding nuclear expertise and technological leadership, which is renowned all over the world.

Source: Belgian nuclear forum

Note to the editors: Nuclear power is a vital element of Europe’s energy mix. It provides 27% of Europe’s electricity and 53% of its carbon-free electricity. It is a competitive, reliable and base-load source of energy that will continue to make a major contribution to EU’s energy policy.