Belgian nuclear watchdog approves restart of Tihange 3

Belgium's Federal Agency for Nuclear Control said on Friday that it had approved the restart and continued operation of the Tihange 3 nuclear reactor.

The approval is a key step in implementing an agreement reached in December 2023 between the Belgian government and operator Engie ENGI to extend the lifespans of both Tihange 3, near Liège, and Doel 4, near Antwerp.

Doel 4 was taken offline on June 30 for a long-term operation review, with a planned restart no later than November 1.

The extension of both reactors is intended to help safeguard the security of electricity supply in Belgium and neighboring countries. The European Union approved state aid for the project in February.

Tihange is a 1,038 megawatt reactor, while Doel is a 1,039 MW reactor. The reactors, which entered service in 1985, account for 35% of Belgium's nuclear energy capacity.

Both are majority-owned by Engie's Belgian unit Electrabel, while EDF subsidiary Luminus holds a minority stake.