26 Apr (NucNet): Belgium’s fleet of seven commercial reactor units generated 60% of the country’s electricity in the first quarter of 2018, the Brussels-based Belgian Nuclear Forum said, quoting figures from the country’s grid operator Elia.
The Forum said Elia’s figures meant that nuclear power produced the majority portion of Belgium’s low-carbon electricity during the winter months of 2018. Solar and wind sources together generated 10% of the country’s electricity for the same period, while the remaining 30% came from fossil-fired generation.
According to the International Energy Agency, Belgium’s nuclear share in 2017 was 49.86%, placing it fourth behind France, Ukraine and Slovakia.
On 30 March 2018, the Belgian government approved a new energy strategy that will see the country phase out its commercial nuclear plants between 2022 and 2025.
The Forum said that phasing out nuclear power would harm Belgium’s chances of hitting its climate targets and jeopardise the country’s energy independence and security.
