Brussels approves Belgian public support to extend two nuclear reactors

The European Commission has approved state aid granted by Belgium to Engie and EDF subsidiaries to extend the operation of the Doel 4 and Tihange 3 reactors by ten years. This decision comes amid an energy crisis and geopolitical uncertainties.

Share:

Subscribe for unlimited access to all energy sector news.

Over 150 multisector articles and analyses every week.

Your 1st year at 99 €*

then 199 €/year

*renews at 199€/year, cancel anytime before renewal.

The European Commission has given the green light to Belgian state aid aimed at extending the operation of the Doel 4 and Tihange 3 nuclear reactors, operated by subsidiaries of Engie and EDF, for ten years. This decision, announced on Friday, concludes the investigation launched last summer by Brussels to assess the compliance of this measure with European competition rules.

A necessary agreement in the face of the energy crisis

The Belgian government reached an agreement in 2023 with the operators of the two reactors, located near Antwerp and Liège, to ensure electricity supply continuity in the context of the war in Ukraine and energy market volatility. The European executive had initially expressed concerns about the potential impact of this support on competition and subsequently launched an in-depth investigation.

To secure the Commission’s approval, Belgium adjusted the financial terms of its intervention, notably by limiting its exposure to high costs in the event of unexpected electricity shortages. The Commission’s analysis concluded that these adjustments ensured the state support remained proportionate and minimised market distortions.

A new direction for Belgian energy policy

The extension of the two reactors marks a shift in Belgium’s energy policy. A law passed in 2003 had originally planned for the complete shutdown of the Belgian nuclear fleet by the end of 2025. However, the energy crisis and reliance on gas imports have led authorities to reassess their strategy.

Belgian Minister of Energy Mathieu Bihet welcomed the Commission’s decision, calling it a “key step for Belgium’s energy security and sovereignty.” Additionally, the new coalition led by Bart De Wever, in office since early February, plans to further expand the country’s nuclear capacity by extending other reactors and considering the construction of new facilities. However, these projects will require parliamentary approval before implementation.

Russia and Iran seek to strengthen their nuclear cooperation as the E3 activates the sanctions mechanism against Tehran, reigniting tensions over compliance with the 2015 Vienna agreement.
US-based Natura Resources has secured strategic funding and key permits for its MSR-1 nuclear reactor, backed by public funds and enriched fuel allocation from the Department of Energy.
The United States and South Korea have agreed to initiate discussions on reprocessing spent nuclear fuel, marking a potential strategic shift in the long-standing bilateral agreement.
The United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission has granted a 40-year extension for the AP1000 reactor design certification, supporting its long-term construction domestically and deployment abroad.
Nano Nuclear Energy has signed a memorandum of understanding with Dioxitek, Argentina’s only uranium supplier for nuclear fuel, to assess the development of local conversion and enrichment capacities.
Stockholm plans to restart uranium extraction by lifting the 2018 ban, aiming to secure strategic supply chains and support domestic nuclear electricity production.
The French Atomic Energy Commission has signed a letter of intent with start-up Calogena to study the installation of a 30 MW thermal small nuclear reactor at its Cadarache site.
KHNP, Doosan, POSCO and Samsung C&T join US partners to develop 5 GW of modular reactors, expand uranium enrichment and build an 11 GW energy complex in Texas.
The US Department of Energy is creating an industrial consortium to accelerate domestic enriched uranium production and reduce reliance on foreign imports ahead of the Russian supply ban in 2027.
The kamikaze drone damaged an auxiliary transformer at the Kursk plant, halving the output of its only reactor in operation, according to Rosatom and the International Atomic Energy Agency.
The four production units at the Gravelines nuclear power plant, shut down in mid-August by a massive jellyfish incursion, are back online, restoring the site’s full capacity.
enCore Energy Corp. has completed a $115 million fundraising through convertible notes maturing in 2030, strengthening its financial capacity for upcoming operations.
Vattenfall advances its nuclear project in Sweden by selecting two modular reactor suppliers, GE Vernova and Rolls-Royce SMR, for a potential installation on the Värö Peninsula.
NANO Nuclear Energy has been selected to compete in the final round of xTechSearch 9, a US Army initiative aimed at identifying high-potential dual-use technology solutions.
Aalo Atomics completes Series B funding, bringing its total to USD 136 million, to build its first modular nuclear power plant dedicated to data centers.
The Malaysian government initiates a national assessment on nuclear energy feasibility, targeting regions facing energy supply constraints and integrating international regulatory requirements.
The merger between Premier American Uranium and Nuclear Fuels reaches a key milestone following final approval of the arrangement plan by the Supreme Court of British Columbia.
TVA, Google, and Kairos Power formalize an agreement to connect an advanced reactor to the grid, supporting data center energy growth and reinforcing the U.S. nuclear industry.
The U.S. Department of Defense has signed an agreement with X-energy to develop a commercial nuclear microreactor intended to power sensitive military infrastructure.
With cash reserves multiplied sevenfold in nine months, NANO Nuclear intensifies development of its KRONOS MMR and positions itself in the Canadian and U.S. modular nuclear markets.

Log in to read this article

You'll also have access to a selection of our best content.

or

Go unlimited with our annual offer: €99 for the 1styear year, then € 199/year.