Nuclear energy makes comeback in Belgium: SCK CEN examines possible avenues
15/05/2025 – Today, the Belgian Chamber of Representatives approved the amendment to the Nuclear Phase-Out Law. This law shaped Belgian nuclear energy policy since 2003, banning the construction of new reactors and establishing a closure schedule for existing nuclear plants. The approved amendment once again opens the door for nuclear energy in Belgium and marks a significant turning point in our country's energy and climate policy.
Key role in Belgian nuclear landscape
SCK CEN has played a key role in Belgian nuclear research and technology for decades. With our BR3 reactor as a prototype for the nuclear power plants in Doel and Tihange, we made a significant contribution to Belgium’s nuclear energy programme, and through the decommissioning of the BR3 reactor, we developed unique expertise in the entire life cycle of nuclear facilities.
The recent amendment makes it possible again to build new reactors, such as Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). The first generation of SMRs will use water as a coolant—a proven and mature technology. Innovative SMRs, such as lead-cooled reactors, which aim to produce less radioactive waste and make better use of natural resources, will be developed in a subsequent phase. Based on its accumulated expertise, SCK CEN is focusing on the development of a fast, lead-cooled SMR. A crucial first step is the construction of a demonstration reactor in Mol.
At the same time, we continue to invest in knowledge preservation, training, and the development of essential competencies for professionals across all nuclear domains.
📎 Click to learn more about the first lead-cooled, fast SMR, our SCK CEN Academy, or our dual pioneering achievements with BR3.
From nuclear phase-out to new possibilities
The 2003 Nuclear Phase-Out Law stipulated that Belgium would phase out nuclear power. It established a timetable for shutting down Belgium’s seven nuclear reactors and prohibited the construction of new ones. With the recent amendment to the law, this ban has been relaxed: the construction of new nuclear reactors is once again possible, and the strict age limit for existing reactors has also been eased.
Belgium may once again opt for nuclear energy. This not only makes the target of 4 gigawatts of nuclear capacity achievable, but also opens up opportunities for emerging technologies like small modular reactors (SMRs). The amendment to the law thus marks a clear change of direction in our country's energy policy.
