Nuclear phase-out by 2025: a never-ending saga?
Of all the many commitments made by the Belgian energy pact in 2018, the phasing-out of nuclear power by 2025 is no doubt the measure that causes the strongest feelings.
Behind the decision is the European target of obtaining all energy supplies from renewable sources by 2050. A scenario at the heart of the energy transition – equally celebrated by its backers and disputed by its critics – that will be decisive for the future of the Belgian energy sector.
Let us look back on the Belgian nuclear saga.
The problems with a nuclear phase-out in Belgium
In 2017, Belgium’s nuclear power plants accounted for 50 % of the country’s electricity production (a little over 40 TWh). This amount of electricity produced must therefore be compensated for if we aim to be able to do without nuclear energy someday.
According to the electricity transmission network operator Elia, whichever scenario is chosen, new thermal plants burning high-carbon fossil fuels (gas, oil, coal) will have to be built to ensure security of supply without increasing Belgium’s energy dependency.
For Damien Ernst, an energy specialist at ULiège, producers’ investments in these gas-powered plants will have a major financial and environmental cost. Because as well as increasing energy bills, the announced plant closures would lead to many job losses.
Can we therefore really hope to achieve European targets for reductions in greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining a secure energy supply and stable prices in Belgium?
What are the arguments for phasing out nuclear by 2025?
For proponents of a nuclear phase-out by 2025, such as federal representative and leader of the Green group (Ecolo/Groen) Jean-Marc Nollet, And they have no shortage of arguments and alternatives:
