Public consultation on the life extension of Doel 4 and Tihange 3

Context of the Consultation

On 1 April 2022, the federal government of Belgium approved a preliminary draft law amending the law of 31 January 2003 on the gradual exit from nuclear energy for industrial electricity production. 

This preliminary draft law aims to authorise the activation of the Doel 4 and Tihange 3 nuclear reactors for a further 10 years, and this after taking into account the results of the environmental impact assessment, public consultation, consultation of the concerned authorities and transboundary consultations within the meaning of Directive 2011/92/EU of 13 December 2011 on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment, Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora and Directive 2009/147/EC of 30 November 2009 on the conservation of wild birds, in accordance with the judgment with reference 34/2020 of the Constitutional Court of 5 March 2020.

At the current stage, the federal government believes that the project plays a vital role in safeguarding the country's electricity security, also the project is in line with the policy the European Commission wishes to pursue for increased independence from fossil fuels and diversified energy supply.

Duration of the Consultation

From 20 March to 20 June 2023.

The duration of the public consultation is extended to June 20, 2023. The public consultation website will remain accessible until this date, which corresponds to the transboundary consultation.

Documentation

The environmental impact report is available in French, Dutch and German. The non-technical summary is available in French, Dutch, German and English.

• Évaluation environnementale du report de la désactivation de Doel 4 et Tihange 3 (PDF, 14.57 MB) (FR)
• Non-technical summary (PDF, 871.52 KB)

Public Consultation

Comments and opinions will be sent to the FPS Economy, SMEs, Middle Classes and Energy within the time limit set for the consultation:

• electronically, using the online form available on the public consultation website
• by post, to the following address:
  FPS Economy, SMEs, Middle Classes and Energy
  Public Consultation Doel 4 and Tihange 3
  Boulevard du Roi Albert II, 16
  1000 Bruxelles

Comments and opinions should preferably refer to the specific title or part of the project or environmental impact report to which they relate.

PARTICIPATE IN THE PUBLIC CONSULTATION (FR)

Decision and Follow-up

Following the public consultation and other consultations, a draft law will be tabled in parliament. Discussions on this draft will be available on the website of the Chamber of Representatives: https://www.lachambre.be/ .