Belgium has decided to revive nuclear energy for the first time in 22 years.
According to AFP, Belgium’s parliament voted on the 15th (local time) in favor of a government plan to revive the nuclear industry allowing the construction of new reactors, with 102 votes in favor, 8 against, and 31 abstentions.
The overwhelming support was anticipated. Belgium declared a nuclear phase-out as early as 2003, limiting the operation period of nuclear power plants to 40 years and deciding to gradually shut down all reactors by this year. Environmental protection and safety issues concerning aging reactors were the reasons for the phase-out decision.
However, the outbreak of the war in Ukraine in 2022 led to an energy crisis across Europe, disrupting the existing plans.
Belgium decided in January 2023 to extend the operation of its two most recently built reactors by another 10 years. In February of the same year, the schedule for shutting down the 'longest-serving' reactor was postponed from this year to 2027.
Movements to abandon nuclear phase-out plans are also occurring in other European countries. Italy, the world's first country to phase out nuclear energy, approved a bill in March allowing the use of nuclear technology.
Spain, which emphasizes renewable energy, is reportedly reconsidering its plan to close seven nuclear power plants over the next 10 years following a large-scale blackout last month.
Lars Aagaard, Denmark's Minister of Energy and Climate, indicated in a local media interview the previous day that there is an increasing likelihood of a shift in policy regarding the potential benefits of next-generation nuclear technology.
Denmark has maintained a policy of banning nuclear power generation since 1985 and continues to adhere to a renewable energy-centered power supply policy.