The French group Engie announced on Thursday the signing of an agreement with the Belgian government on the extension of nuclear reactors in Belgium providing 15 billion euros to manage the cost of waste, as part of a long showdown between the two parts. The agreement includes “the fixing of a lump sum for future costs related to the treatment of nuclear waste” for “15 billion euros”, specifies a press release from the group.
“After several months of intense and constructive dialogue with the Belgian government, we are pleased with the signing of this balanced agreement for both parties. It gives Engie the necessary visibility on the overall amount linked to the management of nuclear waste and significantly reduces the risks linked to the extension of the two units, “said Catherine MacGregor, CEO of Engie, according to the group press release. The amount of 15 billion euros relates to the waste from the seven nuclear installations of Engie in Belgium. “This amount is payable in two instalments” including a first installment for highly radioactive B and C waste intended for geological disposal at the end of the operation in the first half of 2024.
Engie and the Belgian government have also agreed to extend “from November 2026” two nuclear reactors, Doel 4 and Tihange 3, at the request of Belgium in order to guarantee the country’s energy security in the face of fears of shortages of electricity and soaring prices in Europe. A legal structure dedicated to the two nuclear units whose lifespan is extended will be owned equally by the Belgian State and Engie, with a distribution of risks, said Engie. According to a first agreement in principle concluded on January 9 between the French group and the Belgian government, Tihange 3 and Doel 4 must restart for ten years, after a period of maintenance which will leave Belgium without nuclear energy during the winter of 2025. 2026.