The government met in a restricted council of ministers this morning. Among the subjects discussed, the supply of electricity during the coming winters. Two scenarios are possible. One of them is favored by the Federal Agency for Nuclear Control. Tracks that will have to be analyzed by the operator of the power plants.
The life of the federal government is not easy when it comes to the nuclear file. Almost every month reveals its share of surprises.
The latest, the very fresh report from the federal agency for nuclear control, the FANC. A document on the table of the Council of Ministers this Monday. By the end of 2025, all Belgian reactors will have to stop operating, even the two that will be extended for 10 years Doel 4 and Tihange 3.
Closure for 14 months for works with the risk of a major lack of electricity during the winters of 2025-26 and 2026-27. “We gotta clear things up for two winters“, indicates Georges Gilkinet, Deputy Prime Minister. “This morning’s meeting was very useful to move in this direction.“
Two solutions
To reduce the risk of shortages during these two winters, the nuclear policeman proposes to keep the two youngest reactors in operation and then to organize the work of bringing them into compliance at the same time as the operation of the two Doel units. 4 and Tihange 3.”The greater robustness of the design of the Doel 4 and Tihange 3 reactors means that the alternative scenario, in terms of nuclear safety, is preferred“, indicates the FANC.
But the agency also validates as a second solution the extension for a few months of the three oldest reactors. “We have more solutions“, says David Clarinval, Deputy Prime Minister.”We are opening up the possibilities but now we have to see what Engie thinks regarding it.“
Alexander De Croo, the Prime Minister, hopes for a response from the owner of the power stations before the end of the month to remove from his foot the nuclear thorn which hurts his government every month.