CURRENT AFFAIRS

Detailed explanation-1: -The coalition agreement confirmed the nuclear phase-out by 2025, with a “plan B” option to continue 2GW of capacity if by November 2021 a report would show need for it. This was a compromise to meet some political parties like the liberal MR.

Detailed explanation-2: -Belgium’s seven-party coalition government this morning announced via press conference a tentative agreement to close the nation’s two nuclear power plants by 2025, confirming a commitment made in October of last year when it took office.

Detailed explanation-3: -Belgium nuclear phase-out is a political commitment that dates back to 2003 and the country is also committed to investing in research for the smaller modular nuclear reactors.

Detailed explanation-4: -The decision was taken in the response to the geopolitical situation in Europe, in particular the war in Ukraine, the impact of the war on gas supplies in neighbouring countries, the unplanned unavailability of several French nuclear power plants and the impact of all this on the Belgian electricity supply.

Detailed explanation-5: -As of 2022, Italy is the only country that has permanently closed all of its formerly functioning nuclear plants, with Germany phasing out the remaining 3 plants by the end of the year.