Engie, the nuclear operator in Belgium, has reiterated its opposition to the government’s plan to extend the lifespan of the Doel 4 and Tihange 3 reactors by an additional 10 years.
Just last week, Engie’s CEO Vincent Verbeke stated it was “unthinkable” to keep these reactors operational for a longer period.
The government agreement concluded on Friday seeks to repeal the nuclear phase-out law and confirms the new majority’s intention to extend the lifespan of the Doel 4 and Tihange 3 reactors by an additional 10 years, on top of the already granted extension.
Verbeke had previously announced that nuclear energy no longer aligned with Engie’s strategic ambitions, stating that the company would not invest further in this sector and that extending or maintaining the operation of these reactors was “unthinkable.”
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Engie has said it will focus on the dismantling of reactors that have already been decommissioned and safely shutting down those reactors due for closure, while also extending the operation of Doel 4 and Tihange 3 until 2035.
In light of Engie’s position, MR deputy Mathieu Bihet described the CEO’s comments as “unacceptable.” Engie remains “at the government’s disposal to answer questions or provide clarifications,” he said.
