Work to keep the Doel 4 and Tihange 3 nuclear reactors open for 10 more years can be staggered, according to the Federal Agency for Nuclear Control (FANC). This should allow both reactors to remain open through the winter of 2025-2026.
As a result, the FANC has permitted the necessary safety improvement works to also be spread out. However, they must all be completed by 2028.
FANC has tasked Engie Electrabel with getting up to speed with safety regulations. The nuclear watchdog has handed nuclear operator a memo setting out safety requirements for the extended Doel 4 and Tihange 3 reactors. Among the conditions is that emergency planning infrastructure incorporates the automatic detection of toxic gases. It also stipulates that the seals on the pumps of the primary cooling system be replaced.
Engie must now set out plans for the works for the FANC to approve.
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In late June, after months of negotiations, the Federal Government and French energy giant Engie reached an agreement on extending the operating life of Tihange 3 and Doel 4, the youngest nuclear power plants, and the financing of the decommissioning of the plants and the disposal of the radioactive waste.
The ‘preferred scenario’ in this regard is to restart generation in November 2025. This should ensure security of energy supply through the winter of 2025-2026.
