Belgium Halts Nuclear Decommissioning and Pursues State Ownership of Nuclear Fleet

On Thursday, Prime Minister Bart De Wever said Belgium will stop dismantling its nuclear plants and will negotiate exclusively with ENGIE to acquire the entire nuclear fleet. The deal would include all seven reactors, staff, subsidiaries and decommissioning obligations, with a basic agreement expected by October.

Belgium stops decommissioning nuclear power plantsEnergy transition on ice: Belgium stops dismantling all nuclear power plants in the country

Belgium’s 2003 law set a 2025 nuclear phase-out, but political debate and energy-security concerns delayed it. A recent parliamentary majority voted to abandon the phase-out, shifting policy toward retaining nuclear power. The shift follows years of public debate over nuclear safety and energy-security concerns.

Belgium stops decommissioning nuclear power plants

• Bart De Wever – Prime Minister of Belgium, leading the policy shift.

Energy transition on ice: Belgium stops dismantling all nuclear power plants in the country

• ENGIE – Current operator of the nuclear assets and negotiation partner.

Belgium stops decommissioning nuclear power plants

• Belgian Government – Oversees the acquisition and future energy strategy.

Energy transition on ice: Belgium stops dismantling all nuclear power plants in the country

• City of Aachen and German authorities – Regional actors voicing safety concerns about the reactors.

Energy transition on ice: Belgium stops dismantling all nuclear power plants in the country

Belgium operates seven reactors at two sites; three are already offline. The nation remains heavily dependent on imported gas for electricity. Sources differ on whether the parliamentary vote to end the phase-out occurred last year or in May 2025. All seven reactors are located at two sites, one of which is the Tihange plant. The fleet includes both operating and offline units.

Belgium stops decommissioning nuclear power plants

The plan aims for safe, affordable, sustainable energy while cutting fossil-fuel imports. State ownership would increase supply control, and the Tihange plant’s proximity to Aachen raises cross-border safety concerns.

Energy transition on ice: Belgium stops dismantling all nuclear power plants in the country

De Wever stressed a shift to safe, affordable, sustainable energy with less fossil dependence. ENGIE confirmed the letter of intent for exclusive talks. German officials cited structural defects in the reactors and urged shutdown.

Belgium stops decommissioning nuclear power plants

German authorities and Aachen have highlighted dilapidated concrete in the reactors, arguing continued operation threatens nearby populations, contrasting Belgium’s expansion plans.

Energy transition on ice: Belgium stops dismantling all nuclear power plants in the country

Sources disagree on the parliamentary vote date—one says “last year,” another cites “May 2025.” Financing and new-build timelines remain unclear.

Belgium stops decommissioning nuclear power plants

• “This government chooses safe, affordable, and sustainable energy. With less dependence on fossil imports and more control over our own supply,” — Bart De Wever, Prime Minister

Belgium stops decommissioning nuclear power plants

• “ENGIE said it signed a letter of intent with the Belgian government on exclusive negotiations.” — ENGIE

Belgium stops decommissioning nuclear power plants

• “the complete nuclear fleet of seven reactors, the associated personnel, all nuclear subsidiaries, as well as all associated assets and liabilities, including decommissioning and dismantling obligations,” — ENGIE press release

Belgium stops decommissioning nuclear power plants

• “The Belgian government has begun negotiations to take over all nuclear power plants in the country and has ordered the dismantling to be stopped with immediate effect.” — Government statement

Energy transition on ice: Belgium stops dismantling all nuclear power plants in the country

Negotiators target a basic agreement by October, after which the state will formalize ownership. Plans for new reactors are under discussion, while German monitors continue safety oversight.

Belgium stops decommissioning nuclear power plants