Unit 2 of the Tihange nuclear power plant in Belgium has been permanently shut down after 40 years of operation. The 1008 MWe (net) pressurised water reactor is the second to be shut down under the country's nuclear phase out policy.

French utility Engie and the Belgian federal government have signed an agreement with a view to restarting the Doel 4 and Tihange 3 nuclear power reactors in 2026 and operating them for a further ten years. Both units are currently scheduled to be shut down in 2025.

Unit 3 of the Doel nuclear power plant was disconnected from the grid at 9.31pm on 23 September, in accordance with Belgium's legislation on the gradual phase-out of nuclear energy. Doel 3 is the first of seven Belgian reactors to be taken out of service over the coming years.

The Belgian government and Electrabel have signed a non-binding Letter of Intent on continuing negotiations on the feasibility and terms for the operation of Doel 4 and Tihange 3 for a further ten years. The two sides aim to agree a binding legal agreement by the end of December.

The Belgian government has asked energy company Engie to see if it can extend the operating life of Tihange unit 2 until the end of the winter peak electricity season - but the company says it is not possible to do so at such short notice.

In a recent position paper, the Belgian Nuclear Society welcomed the political decision to keep two reactors - Doel 4 and Tihange 3 - in operation beyond 2025 because of security of electricity supply concerns. However, it questions why the operation of the units has been limited to just ten years.

Belgium's SCK-CEN nuclear research centre will receive a budget of EUR100 million (USD107 million) from the federal government to conduct research into small modular reactors.

Tractebel is to contribute to the development of France's Nuward small modular reactor project. The Belgian engineering firm will conduct studies for the completion of the conceptual design of "the first SMR in the European Union".

Belgium's planned phase-out of nuclear energy is likely to lead to greater use of gas-fired generation and increased emissions, according to a new policy review by the International Energy Agency.

Belgium's federal government has decided to allow Doel 4 and Tihange 3 to continue operating until 2035 in order to allow the country to "strengthen its independence of fossil fuels in turbulent geopolitical times". The coalition government had earlier agreed to phase out the use of nuclear energy by 2025.

Belgium's SCK-CEN nuclear research centre has received all the licences needed for the construction and operation of a facility to support the RECUMO project to manage and recycle radioactive residues from the production of medical radioisotopes.

Belgium's Doel 4 and Tihange 3 could continue operating beyond 2025 provided certain safety upgrades are carried out, Belgium's Federal Agency for Nuclear Control has said. However, it said the government must make a prompt decision on their long-term operation and develop a global approach with all the actors involved.