Environmental groups Greenpeace and Bond Beter Leefmilieu have criticised the idea of extending the life of the Doel 4 and Tihange 3 nuclear plants, proposed by the formateur of the incoming federal government, Bart De Wever.
The environmentalists' reaction came in a press release issued on Friday, on the heels of reports that De Wever aims to extend the life of Doel 4 and Tihange 3 plants for 20 years, rather than the 10-year extention already agreed on with the global energy company Engie.
L'Echo and De Tijd dailies had reported on Thursday that De Wever has expressed his strong preference for nuclear energy to Engie.
The outgoing federal government had decided that the plants, which were due to close next year, would continue running until 2035, and Engie is currently working on this extension.
De Wever informed Engie of his desire to further extend the two reactors if he becomes the Prime Minister. Such an extension, a total of ten additional years, could mean nuclear power may be available up until 2045.
Greenpeace and Bond Beter Leefmilieu say this is a reckless plan that strays away from any serious energy policy. They also condemn the idea of opting for novel nuclear production using small modular reactors.
"The incoming federal government should not get lost in foolhardy nuclear endeavours that would cost taxpayers billions," Greenpeace Belgium spokesperson Nadia Cornejo argued. “Whether it involves extending the lifespan of existing power plants or building unrealistic new ones, renewable energies are faster and more affordable in combating the climate crisis.”
Should the configuration of the incoming coalition remain unchanged, only the Vooruit party would be lukewarm towards nuclear energy, but they are not closing any doors.
Still, it is anticipated that convincing Engie would not be easy, according to the dailies. The French group recently decided that nuclear operations are no longer part of its strategic plan, so it is unlikely to agree to revise the deal with the previous government.
