Belgium will extend the life of two nuclear reactors by 10 years, country's prime minister said late on Monday.
Overturning an earlier decision to exit nuclear power in 2025, the country is among a few other EU countries which have postponed their plans to shift away from nuclear power in the face of supply constraints caused by Russia-Ukraine war.
"The extension of these two nuclear reactors [Doel 4 and Tihange 3] is crucial to guarantee our energy security," Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo told reporters following a meeting with cabinet members.
Country's newest nuclear reactors Doel 4 and Tihange 3 were planned to colse in 2025, however, it will now continue to operate until 2036.
The decision came after country's power grid operator warned about a significant shortage in the winter of 2026 to 2027 if the nuclear power was shut down.
Belgium hosts a total of seven reactors, four of which are at the Doel Nuclear Power Plant close to the Dutch border, while three are located at the Tihange Nuclear Power Plant, close to the Germany and Luxembourg border.
The electricity produced by these reactors meets about half of the country's needs.
In line with country's Deleuze law that started its denuclearization process in 2003, Belgium shut down Doel 3 and Tihange 2 nuclear power plants in September.
The move withdrew severe criticism from several circles in the country, including a pro-nuclear Belgian citizens group, which goes by the name of "100 TWh".
They decided to take the Belgian government and energy companies Engie-Electrabel and Elia to court over the shutdown.
By Sibel Morrow
Anadolu Agency
energy@aa.com.tr