Nuclear energy in Belgium: history and prospects

In 2020, the breakdown of electricity production in Belgium was as follows: 49.3% natural gas, 34.1% renewable energies, 15.4% nuclear power and 1.2% coal [1].

Nuclear power has played an important role in electricity generation in Belgium since the 1970s. However, with the passing of the nuclear phase-out law in 2003, the future of nuclear power in the country is uncertain. Belgium is now focusing on the development of renewable energies, and participating in international research projects on advanced nuclear technologies, such as small modular reactors.

History of nuclear power generation in Belgium

The history of nuclear power in Belgium dates back to the 1950s, when the country began exploring the possibilities offered by atomic energy. The first nuclear research reactor, BR1, was built in 1956 at Mol, in central Belgium [2].

Belgium’s first commercial nuclear power plant, Doel, was commissioned in 1975, followed by the Tihange nuclear power plant in 1977 [3]. Both plants are operated by Electrabel, a subsidiary of the French Engie group. Together, they comprise seven reactors with a total capacity of almost 6,000 megawatts of electricity (MWe) [4].

Nuclear reactor technologies used in Belgium

Belgium mainly uses pressurized water reactors (PWRs) for nuclear power generation. PWRs use enriched uranium as fuel and pressurized water as moderator and coolant.

The Doel power plant is equipped with four PWR reactors, with a total capacity of 2,912 MWe [5]. The Tihange power plant has three PWR reactors, with a total capacity of 3,008 MWe [6]. These reactors were built in collaboration with French and American companies, including Framatome (formerly Areva) and Westinghouse.

Innovative power plant and reactor projects

In 2003, Belgium passed a law providing for a gradual phase-out of nuclear power by 2025 [7]. However, discussions are underway to assess the possibility of extending the lifespan of certain nuclear units in order to guarantee security of electricity supply. As a result, innovative power plant and reactor projects are limited in Belgium.

Although Belgium is in the process of phasing out nuclear power, it continues to participate in research and development in the field of nuclear energy, particularly with regard to small modular reactors (SMRs). SMRs are nuclear reactors of small size and simplified design, which could offer advantages in terms of construction costs and adaptability to the needs of the power grid. The Centre d’étude de l’énergie nucléaire (SCK CEN) in Belgium is involved in international research projects on SMRs [9].

Belgian nuclear reactors

Countries producing nuclear power

Sources

• [1] Eurostat (2021). Electricity generated, consumed and imported. Available at: https: //ec.europa.eu/eurostat/
• [2] SCK CEN (2021). Historical data. Available at: https: //www.sckcen.be/en/About_us/History
• [3] World Nuclear Association (2021). Nuclear Power in Belgium. Available at: https: //www.world-nuclear.org/information-library/country-profiles/countries-a-f/belgium.aspx
• [4] Electrabel (2021). Our nuclear power plants. Available at: https: //corporate.engie-electrabel.be/centrale-nucleaire/
• [5] Electrabel (2021). Doel nuclear power plant. Available at: https: //corporate.engie-electrabel.be/centrale-nucleaire/doel/
• [6] Electrabel (2021). Tihange nuclear power plant. Available at: https: //corporate.engie-electrabel.be/centrale-nucleaire/tihange/
• [7] Law of January 31, 2003 on the gradual phase-out of nuclear energy for electricity generation. Available at: http: //www.ejustice.just.fgov.be/cgi_loi/change_lg.pl?language=fr&la=F&cn=2003013132&table_name=loi
• [8 ] Belgian Federal Government (2015). Agreement on the life extension of the Tihange 1 and Doel 1-2 nuclear reactors. Available at: https: //www.belgium.be/fr/actualites/2015/prolongation_de_la_duree_de_vie_des_reacteurs_nucleaires_tihange_1_et_doel_1_et_2
• [9] SCK CEN (2021). Research and development on small modular reactors. Available at: https: //www.sckcen.be/en/Research/Research_domains/Innovative_nuclear_systems/Small_modular_reactors