The closure of Belgium's Doel-1 nuclear reactor marks a significant turning point for the country’s energy policy, capping off half a century of operation. Officially taken offline after 50 years, the 445 MW reactor, operated by Electrabel, part of the ENGIE group, has contributed 148 TWh to Belgium's electricity supply since its commissioning on February 15, 1975.
The shutdown is the culmination of Belgium's nuclear phase-out plan enacted under the 2003 law, which initially aimed to close Doel-1 on its 40th anniversary. Although this would have happened back in 2015, Doel-1 was granted extensions due to regulatory amendments made during the past decade. Most recently, the reactor secured a ten-year extension alongside Doel-2 and Tihange-1 after committing to several major improvements mandated by the Federal Agency for Nuclear Control (FANC).
Over the years, Doel-1 has been synonymous with the evolution of Belgium’s energy policy. The decision to shut down the reactor followed significant shifts within the government, which has been re-evaluated repeatedly amid public debates on nuclear energy. Following the shutdown of Doel-1, plans to also halt operations at Tihange-1 and Doel-2 by autumn 2025 have emerged. According to FANC, the operational closure of Doel-1 coincides with other reactors' disconnections, including Doel-3, which was permanently removed from the grid last September, and Tihange-2, which followed suit earlier this January.
Nuclear power generation is undergoing serious scrutiny across Belgium. Preliminary data from the Belgian electricity system operator Elia indicates a decline, with nuclear generation dropping to 29.5 TWh (42.4%) for 2024, down from 31.4 TWh (41.3%) the previous year. Two major reactors have already been decommissioned, casting doubt on the viability of sustaining nuclear energy as part of Belgium's energy mix.
Looking forward, Belgium’s new coalition government recently outlined proposals to extend the operation of the remaining reactors, namely Doel-4 and Tihange-3, for another decade beyond their existing timelines, which initially slated them for closure by 2035. This decision hints at reluctance to abandon nuclear power amid rising energy demands and climate change discussions.
“The first shutdown activities for Doel 1 will start in the coming weeks,” stated FANC, indicating preparations for the careful disassembly and safe handling of nuclear waste. “Technically, there is no difference with a normal shutdown for maintenance, except it will no longer be used to produce electricity after the final shutdown,” the agency noted.
Following the successful cooling down of the reactor, the defueling process will initiate, where personnel will take out fuel rods and transfer them to secure cooling pools, where they are expected to remain underwater for several years. This multi-step process not only ensures safety but also prepares for eventual plant dismantling.
The Doel nuclear site, located near Antwerp, hosts four reactors, contrasting with the Tihange site which shares three with similar configurations. Unique to Belgium, Doel-1 and Doel-2 are twin reactors, sharing components, safety systems, and facility infrastructure. Therefore, modifications for domain safety could have broader impacts as the region moves forward.
Opposition to the reactor's closure has surfaced, with some stakeholders casting doubts on the regulatory decisions made. Their concerns are compounded by the coalition government’s proposals to repeal the nuclear phase-out law which could allow for future reactor constructions. Despite the pressure to transition toward green energy, the government is targeting to maintain 4 GW of nuclear capacity as part of its energy strategy, without specific timelines or locations yet identified for the new reactors.
The initial phase of Doel-1's decommissioning may take up to five years, focusing on safety and environmental responsibility as it transitions from active generation to potential industrial heritage. This timeline is viewed as necessary to comprehensively dismantle and secure the site, ensuring responsibilities are managed effectively following the reactor's decades-long service.
The changing energy policies reflect not only the technological advancements but also the political climate surrounding energy resources. The convergence of public opinion, government regulation, and the high stakes surrounding energy sustainability continues to define the narrative around Belgium's last operational nuclear facilities as the nation grapples with its energy identity.