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Against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine and the energy crisis, the previous Belgian government had reached an agreement with Engie at the end of 2023 to extend the lifespan of the two reactors by ten years until no later than 2037. The deal with the French energy giant reverses the planned nuclear phase-out and must guarantee Belgium’s electricity supply for the next ten years.
Last summer, the Commission launched an in-depth investigation into the state aid provided by the agreement and its impact on the electricity market. It now concludes that the aid is “necessary” and “appropriate” to ensure energy supply, according to a press release on Friday. The measures are “proportional” and “limited to the strictly necessary,” and the disruption of competition caused is “minimized.” Belgium must, however, make some adjustments, including to the joint venture that will manage the reactors and to the price guarantee mechanism.
Belgian Energy Minister Mathieu Bihet describes the Commission’s green light as “an important step forward for our country’s energy transition.” “By combining renewable and nuclear energy, Belgium strengthens its energy independence, while simultaneously ensuring affordable, low-carbon electricity and supply security,” he responds in a press release.