Belgium has reversed its long-standing policy to phase out nuclear power, marking a major shift in the country's energy strategy. Prime Minister Bart De Wever announced on April 30, 2026, that the government will stop decommissioning its nuclear plants and instead negotiate with operator ENGIE to nationalize them. This decision, driven by energy security concerns and a desire to reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels, paves the way for Belgium to possibly build new reactors. Below, we answer key questions about this historic change.
Why did Belgium decide to stop decommissioning its nuclear power plants?
In 2003, Belgium decided to phase out nuclear power by 2025, but energy security worries and political debates repeatedly delayed that goal. By 2025, the Belgian parliament voted overwhelmingly to end the phase-out entirely. Prime Minister Bart De Wever explained that his government chooses safe, affordable, and sustainable energy with less dependence on fossil imports and more control over supply. The country currently relies heavily on imported gas to meet electricity needs, as expanding renewable power has been slow. Halting decommissioning is seen as a way to ensure a stable, domestic energy source while transitioning to a greener mix. The decision also reflects a broader European trend of reconsidering nuclear power amid rising energy prices and geopolitical tensions.
What is the agreement between the Belgian government and ENGIE?
ENGIE signed a letter of intent with the Belgian government to enter exclusive negotiations over the potential acquisition of the entire nuclear fleet. This includes all seven reactors, associated personnel, nuclear subsidiaries, and all assets and liabilities, including decommissioning and dismantling obligations. A basic agreement is expected by October 2026. The deal essentially involves the nationalization of Belgium's nuclear assets, giving the government full control over operations and future development. ENGIE will receive compensation for transferring these assets, though details remain confidential. The goal is to secure Belgium's energy future and allow the state to directly manage nuclear power, potentially extending reactor lifetimes and building new ones.
What was Belgium's original nuclear phase-out plan, and why has it changed?
Belgium originally decided in 2003 to phase out nuclear power by 2025, following public concerns about safety and waste. The plan was to gradually shut down all seven reactors at two sites—Doel and Tihange. However, delays crept in due to worries about energy security and the high cost of decommissioning. In 2022, Russia's invasion of Ukraine heightened fears of gas supply disruptions, prompting Belgium to postpone the phase-out. By 2025, a large parliamentary majority voted to end the nuclear phase-out entirely, citing the need for stable, low-carbon baseload power. The new government under De Wever now aims not only to keep existing reactors but also to build new nuclear plants, marking a complete reversal of previous policy.
How many nuclear reactors does Belgium have, and what is their current status?
Belgium has seven nuclear reactors spread across two sites: Doel near Antwerp (four units) and Tihange near Liège (three units). As of 2026, three reactors have already been taken off the grid as part of the original phase-out timeline. The remaining four are still operational, though many are decades old and have been subject to extensive refurbishments. The fate of these ageing installations has been debated for years. Under the new plan, the government aims to keep all reactors running longer, possibly through lifetime extensions beyond their original design limits. The nationalization deal with ENGIE will determine the exact operational status and any necessary upgrades to ensure safety and efficiency.
What are Belgium's energy challenges, and how does this decision address them?
Belgium faces significant energy challenges, primarily its heavy dependence on gas imports to cover electricity needs. The country has struggled to expand renewable power sources like wind and solar quickly enough to replace nuclear and gas. This reliance leaves it vulnerable to price volatility and supply disruptions, as seen during the 2022 energy crisis. By halting decommissioning and nationalizing nuclear plants, Belgium ensures a steady supply of low-carbon, domestic electricity that reduces import dependency. Nuclear power provides baseload generation, which is crucial when renewables are intermittent. Moreover, the government plans to build new reactors, which could further decrease fossil fuel use over the long term. This move aligns with De Wever's stated goal of safe, affordable, and sustainable energy while maintaining control over the country's energy destiny.
What is the timeline for the potential nationalization deal?
According to ENGIE's press release, the company and the Belgian government have signed a letter of intent and will now engage in exclusive negotiations. They aim to reach a basic agreement by October 2026. This initial agreement would outline the terms for transferring the entire nuclear fleet—seven reactors, personnel, subsidiaries, and all assets and liabilities, including decommissioning obligations. After that, a final, detailed contract will need to be signed, which may take additional months to finalize. The process also requires regulatory approvals and possibly parliamentary ratification. Given the complexity of nationalizing a multi-billion-euro asset, negotiations could extend into 2027. However, the government's strong political will and ENGIE's cooperation suggest a relatively swift resolution.