BRUSSELS – The Belgian government made a provisional commitment on Thursday to phase out the country’s existing nuclear power plants by 2025 while using gas as a bridge to sustainable energy sources and possible new nuclear options later.
A complicated compromise agreement after nightly negotiations is to examine whether Belgium’s energy security can be guaranteed if all seven nuclear power plants are shut down. A final decision should be made in March.
“It wouldn’t be wise not to have a safety net,” said Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, hinting that two plants could remain open if necessary.
While pushing for the abolition of nuclear plans built with 20th century technology, the government has also committed to investing in research for small modular nuclear reactors.
“We are saying goodbye to the old nuclear reactors and looking to the future of nuclear energy,” said De Croo.
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A political commitment to phase out nuclear power dates back to 2003, but successive Belgian governments have hesitated to seal the deal. The anti-nuclear Greens are part of the current ruling coalition and insist that action be taken.
Nuclear power plants emit few pollutants into the air, which has made them an option as nations around the world seek clean energy to help meet climate change goals. However, their construction and demolition produce large amounts of greenhouse gases.
Opponents have for decades cited the challenges associated with processing long-lived radioactive waste to advertise new facilities. Climate activists also say reliance on nuclear power could slow the expansion of renewable energy sources.
Belgium’s ambivalence towards nuclear energy is reflected in a broader EU debate in which Germany was played off against France.
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By the end of the year, the 27-state bloc should decide whether it should include nuclear energy among the economic sectors that could be considered for sustainable investments, a decision with far-reaching consequences for the bloc’s energy supply.
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Frank Jordans contributed from Berlin.
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