The government of Belgium has announced its intention to acquire its nuclear reactors from the French energy company Engie to ensure the nation's energy security.
Prime Minister Bart De Wever stated that the agreement would entail "a complete acquisition" of the nuclear fleet, encompassing Belgium's seven old nuclear reactors.
The action would also entail halting plans to shut down nuclear activities in Belgium.
"This administration is opting for secure, cost-effective, and sustainable energy, reducing reliance on fossil fuel imports and gaining more autonomy over our own resources," De Wever shared on X.
The action would undo the nuclear energy phase-out law enacted in the early 2000s due to safety issues, which banned the construction of new nuclear power plants and restricted the operational lifespan of current ones to 40 years.
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Just two of Belgium's seven nuclear reactors are active - situated at the facilities in Doel and Tihange - with their operating licenses recently renewed until 2035.
The remaining five reactors were closed from 2022 to 2025, and now plans to decommission them will be put on hold.
Engie and the government stated their goal is to finalize an agreement on the acquisition of the nuclear plants by 1 October.
In a shared announcement with Engie, the Belgian government noted that this action also emphasizes its intention to prolong the operations of current nuclear reactors and to create "new nuclear capacity" in Belgium.
"The Belgian Government is assuming responsibility for Belgium's energy future, aiming to create an economically viable sector that enhances supply security, climate goals, industrial robustness, and socio-economic well-being," the statement continues.
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Belgium is among several European nations reassessing their nuclear strategy, making a total turnaround after years of hesitance regarding investment in nuclear power.
The reactors have been a subject of controversy for a long time. They have faced multiple shutdowns for safety inspections and have instilled fear in adjacent nations.
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In 2015, tensions escalated as proposals to operate reactors beyond their 40-year lifespan faced objections from cities in neighboring regions.
In 2017, the German city of Aachen started distributing iodine tablets to its residents due to safety concerns regarding the reactors at Tihang after shutdowns caused by cracks and water leaks.