Preparations for extended operation took place under great time pressure, says Fanc
Belgium’s nuclear regulator has given the green light for the restart of the Tihange-3 nuclear power plant, but has called for clarity from the government on plans to operate the reactor and a second one at Doel beyond 2035.
The Federal Agency for Nuclear Control (Fanc) said in a statement on 4 July that it had approved the restart of Tihange-3, near Liege in central Belgium, after “a thorough analysis”.
The statement said Fanc and its technical subsidiary Bel V determined that the 1,030-MW Westinghouse pressurised water reactor (PWR) unit meets the conditions for a safe restart.
Tihange-3 would be restarted “in the coming days”, according operator Electrabel on 4 July.
Fanc warned, however, that preparation for Tihange-3’s restart and its extended operation until 2035 took place under great time pressure, as a result of “late political decisions”.
“This time pressure poses a risk to the optimal preparation of nuclear installations,” Fanc said.
“Fanc therefore calls for clarity to be provided in the course of this legislative term on a possible extension of the operation of Doel-4 and Tihange-3 after 2035.
“This will allow the necessary safety analyses and preparatory steps to be started in good time.”
For the continued operation of Tihange-3 and Doel-4, Electrabel had to submit a long-term operation (LTO) file with safety studies and an action plan to further increase safety of the reactors. This file was submitted in December 2024 for both units.
Tihange-3 was taken offline on 5 April for an extensive inspection and maintenance period with a view to LTO until 2035.
Doel-4 Now Being Prepared For Extended Operation
Doel-4, near Antwerp in northern Belgium, is being prepared for further operation. The plant was shut down on 30 June for its LTO overhaul.
As with Tihange-3, the restart of Doel-4, scheduled for 1 November 2025 at the latest, requires approval.
In March 2022, in light of concerns about security of supply in the context of the energy crisis and the Russian war against Ukraine, the Belgian federal government decided to keep Tihange-3 and Doel-4 in operation for an additional 10 years.
Earlier this year, Electrabel parent company Engie formalised an agreement with the Belgian state to operate both plants until 2035.
The two units, which began commercial operation in September 1985 and July 1985 respectively, are the newest in Belgium.
In February, the Doel-1 nuclear power plant was permanently shut down, bringing the number of commercial reactors in operation in the country to four. Doel-3 and Tihange-2 had already been shut down in 2022 and 2023.
According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, Belgium’s four nuclear plants provided about 57% of the country’s electricity production in 2024.
