A gas-power plant being built by Luminus in Seraing will not be ready for the beginning of next winter, Energy Minister Mathieu Bihet said in the Chamber of Representatives on Tuesday.
Despite the delay, the country’s electricity supply security is not at risk, he said.
Luminus began constructing the 870 MW power plant in January 2023, with the initial completion date set for November. However, the energy operator announced that the plant’s commissioning has been postponed to late January 2026.
The delay is largely offset by the increased availability of Belgium’s nuclear power and the commissioning of a new nuclear reactor in Flamanville, France.
“We have a surplus of 677 megawatts, which is sufficient to compensate. The security of supply for winter 2025-2026 is guaranteed,” the Minister assured.
Luminus may face a penalty due to the delay. The Electricity and Gas Regulation Commission (CREG) and network operator, Elia, are to review the situation.
