Belgium has signed a Letter of Intent to acquire ENGIE Electrabel’s nuclear operations, marking a major shift in the country’s long-term energy policy.
Prime Minister Bart De Wever said the government aims to strengthen energy security, reduce reliance on fossil fuel imports, and increase domestic control over electricity supply. The negotiations cover all seven nuclear reactors managed by ENGIE, including staff, infrastructure, and nuclear waste liabilities.
The move follows Belgium’s decision in 2025 to abandon its long-standing nuclear phase-out strategy, originally introduced in 2003 over safety concerns.
Key developments include:
- Only two of Belgium’s seven reactors are currently operational
- Planned dismantling of inactive reactors would be suspended
- Nuclear energy currently provides around 40% of Belgium’s electricity, down from 60% in the early 2000s
- Rising global energy prices and Strait of Hormuz disruptions have intensified European energy security concerns
The policy shift reflects wider European efforts to expand nuclear energy amid ongoing geopolitical and energy market instability.
ℹ️ DW News
Follow on social media TikTok@tut0ughInstagram@tut0ugh Threads@tut0ugh X@tut0ugh YouTube@tut0ugh
tut0ugh 