Luxembourg’s Ministry of the Environment, Climate and Sustainable Development was contacted by Belgium’s ministries for the economy, middle classes and energy with the aim of informing Luxembourg residents of the project’s extension.
Although Belgium took two of its seven reactors offline in the last months, reactors Tihange 3 and Doel 4 are to be extended until 31 December 2037. Belgium’s federal government considers that the power plants play an essential role in securing the country’s electricity supply.
Now, residents of Belgium as well as other EU countries (including Luxembourg) can respond to a public consultation on the matter. A thorough environmental assessment report and summary have been published too.
Based on the opinions and comments received, Belgium’s parliament will then discuss the tabled bill.
Luxembourg’s Minister for Energy Claude Turmes took to social media last year to voice his disapproval of Belgium’s decision to prolong the lifespan of two of its seven nuclear reactors.
“Distraught and bewildered by the decision of the Belgian government to delay its nuclear exit. This decision endangers the safety of Luxembourgish citizens. We have filed an urgent letter to the Belgian government,” he tweeted.
Belgium’s Green Party, part of the ruling coalition, has strongly resisted the government’s move.
Wedged between nuclear-powered France and gas-and-coal-dependent Germany, Belgium’s own reactors supply about half of its electricity needs.
