The re-engagement in nuclear power decided by the De Croo government under the effect of the Ukrainian crisis is partial (only the Doel 4 and Tihange 3 power plants are concerned) and limited in time (for ten years), recalls the environmentalist representative. These are the terms of the agreement within the Vivaldi. Except that partners, led by MR, are now aiming to extend five units, or even the seven available in Belgium, on the grounds that the security of electricity supply would be at risk for the winters 2025-2026 and 2026-2027, recalls Le Evening.
For Georges Gilkinet, “we are going to continue closing the plants. What is still on the table is to close five reactors, that has not been changed”. To ensure security of supply, the Deputy Prime Minister speaks of “modulation” of three reactors rather than “extension”.
He therefore contests the MR bill to extend three reactors. “What are we talking regarding? We are talking regarding nuclear reactors with single-walled vessels, honeycombed vessels, with hydrogen bubbles. We are talking regarding power plants that do not meet the conditions of resistance to seismic shocks, to the fall of a plane? I remind you that Tihange is in the axis of Bierset airport. International safety standards are essential, intangible.”
