N-VA leader and official Federal Formator Bart De Wever has expressed his strong preference for nuclear energy to global energy company Engie, reports The Echo and The Tijd on Thursday.
He intends to keep the Doel 4 and Tihange 3 nuclear power plants operational for much longer than the agreed 10-year extension.
The outgoing Vivaldi government had decided that these plants, which were due to close next year, would continue running till 2035, with Engie currently working on this extension.
Should the formation of an Arizona coalition government occur, only Vooruit party would be lukewarm towards nuclear energy, but are not closing any doors.
Wever informed Engie of his desire to further extend these 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.
However, it is anticipated that convincing Engie won’t be easy, according to daily newspapers.
The French group recently decided that nuclear operations are no longer part of its strategic plan. Therefore, the possibility of them agreeing to revise the deal with the De Croo government is low.
By publicly stating his intention of further extending the nuclear power plants, Wever hopes to prevent Engie from suggesting later that it is too late to review the plans.
Protests
Environmental groups Greenpeace and Bond Beter Leefmilieu criticised De Wever's proposed extension of operational periods for the units, according to a press release on Friday.
Acting as the orchestrator of a new Federal Government, De Wever has requested Engie extend the life of Doel 4 and Tihange 3, not for the agreed 10 years but for 20. Both associations have branded this as a reckless plan, which strays away from any serious energy policy.
The organisations also condemn the ambition to bet on novel nuclear production using small modular reactors.
The upcoming federal government should not get lost in foolhardy nuclear endeavours that would cost taxpayers billions, argues Greenpeace Belgium spokesperson Nadia Cornejo.
"Whether it involves extending lifespan of existing power plants or constructing unrealistic new ones, renewable energies are faster and more affordable in combating the climate crisis," she concludes.
