Belgium is heading towards a radical transformation of its energy policy after the government revealed its plan to bring the nuclear power sector entirely under state ownership. According to Prime Minister Bart De Wever, the government is resolved to purchase the nuclear reactors of the country from the French energy company Engie. He added that it is a ‘full takeover’ geared toward securing the energy supply over the long term.

The plan involves the entire fleet of Belgium’s seven nuclear reactors that are nearing the end of their life cycle. It would turn the clock on the country’s nuclear phase-out plan earlier announced by effectively putting the brakes on it.

Back in the day, Belgium took a stand around 2000A.D to nuclear phase-out due to a series of safety concerns, setting reactor life to 40 years and no new constructions. This is the exact opposite of what Belgium is doing now.

Operations are at the moment continuing only at two reactors-the Doel and Tihange Nuclear Power Stations- whose licenses have been extended to 2035. The other five reactors which stopped operations between 2022 and 2025 were ordered to be dismantled but the order might be cancelled now.

The Belgian government together with Engie are eyeing the signing of the deal for acquisition. Belgian government together with Engie are targeting the completion of the acquisition agreement by October 1. Apart from keeping operational of the existing facilities, the initiative will also consider a potential new nuclear installation to enhance energy security, contribute to climate goals, and increase economic resilience.

This change of mind on Belgium’s part corresponds to a quite common European move as nuclear energy is starting to be considered after a long time of ignoring it. However Belgian nuclear power plants have for long times been the subject of public discussions due to the fact that they have often been shut down for safety checks and also alarmed other countries around.