Belgium has announced plans to take full control of its nuclear power infrastructure from French energy company Engie, in a significant policy shift aimed at strengthening the country’s long-term energy security. Prime Minister Bart De Wever said the proposed agreement would involve a complete takeover of Belgium’s ageing nuclear fleet, marking a decisive reversal of the country’s earlier commitment to phase out nuclear energy.
The move signals a major departure from legislation introduced in the early 2000s, when Belgium committed to gradually abandoning nuclear power over safety concerns. That framework prohibited the construction of new nuclear plants and restricted the operational lifespan of existing reactors to 40 years. However, rising concerns over energy security and dependence on imported fossil fuels appear to have prompted a rethink at the highest levels of government.
Announcing the decision, De Wever said the government was prioritising “safe, affordable and sustainable energy,” while also aiming to reduce reliance on external energy supplies. In a post on X, he emphasised that bringing nuclear assets under national control would allow Belgium to maintain greater oversight of its energy future while balancing climate goals and economic needs.
Belgium currently has seven nuclear reactors, though only two remain operational—located at Doel and Tihange. These two facilities were recently granted licence extensions, allowing them to continue operations until 2035. The remaining five reactors were shut down between 2022 and 2025 as part of the country’s earlier nuclear phase-out strategy. Under the new plan, however, the dismantling of these reactors will be put on hold.
The Belgian government and Engie have indicated that they aim to finalise the terms of the takeover by 1 October. In a joint statement, both sides highlighted the broader vision behind the move, which includes extending the life of existing reactors and exploring the development of new nuclear capacity. The government said the strategy is designed to ensure long-term energy stability, support climate objectives, and strengthen industrial resilience, while also contributing to economic growth.
Belgium’s shift reflects a wider trend across Europe, where several countries are reassessing their nuclear energy strategies after years of hesitancy. Concerns over volatile fossil fuel markets, geopolitical uncertainties, and the urgency of reducing carbon emissions have led to renewed interest in nuclear power as a reliable and low-carbon energy source.
Despite this renewed focus, Belgium’s nuclear programme has long been a subject of controversy. The reactors, particularly those at Tihange, have faced repeated shutdowns for safety inspections, including issues related to cracks and water leaks. These concerns have not only sparked domestic debate but also drawn criticism from neighbouring countries.
Tensions were especially evident in 2015, when plans to extend the lifespan of certain reactors beyond their original design limits triggered protests from cities across national borders. In Germany, the city of Aachen took the unusual step of distributing iodine tablets to residents in 2017, citing fears over potential nuclear incidents linked to the Belgian facilities.
As Belgium moves forward with its proposed takeover, the decision is likely to reignite debates over nuclear safety while also underscoring the complex balance governments face between energy security, environmental responsibility, and public confidence.
