The Belgian Nuclear Forum (BNF) welcomes the announcement that the Belgian state and the ENGIE group have entered exclusive negotiations aimed at transferring and resuming all nuclear activities currently owned and operated by ENGIE, Electrabel, and their subsidiaries. This includes the entire seven-reactor fleet, the associated personnel, all nuclear subsidiaries, and all related assets and liabilities, including obligations tied to decommissioning and shutdown. The BNF congratulates the federal government—particularly Prime Minister Bart De Wever and Federal Energy Minister Mathieu Bihet—for a decision it deems courageous and strategic, reflecting political will and the government’s vision and strengthening Belgium’s energy security of supply. The forum notes this step aligns with the government's ambition to extend the operation of existing nuclear plants and to develop new nuclear capacities, essential for long-term security, competitiveness, sovereignty, and sustainability of Belgium’s energy mix.
It emphasizes the geopolitical context and the need to regain control of energy supply, offering prospects for the industry and public confidence, given recent polls showing majority support for nuclear energy. High energy prices in a complex geopolitical setting have underscored the importance of secure supply at competitive prices, with state-led revival of nuclear activities playing a positive role. The decision also strengthens Belgium’s strategic autonomy and energy sovereignty and lays the groundwork for potential medium-term nuclear capacity expansion (2035–2040 horizon). The BNF also notes that suspending dismantling and shutdown activities at this juncture provides flexibility to keep options open for restarting the Belgian reactors. Finally, the BNF expresses confidence in the process and wishes the government success in negotiations, convinced the outcome can be a balanced agreement beneficial to all parties and to Belgium’s energy future. Serge Dauby, CEO of the Belgian Nuclear Forum, concludes.
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