In Vienna, during the 69th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the Minister of Energy, Mathieu Bihet, represented Belgium and took part in several key moments confirming our country's role as a leading player in the revival of civil nuclear power.
Signing of a memorandum of understanding for the EAGLES 300 project
The Minister attended the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the EAGLES consortium and the IAEA. Backed by Belgium, Italy and Romania, the EAGLES 300 project aims to develop a new generation of small lead-cooled modular reactors (SMRs).
These innovative technologies aim to produce low-carbon, secure and competitive energy. This initiative illustrates Belgium's determination to leverage its unique expertise and contribute to building a sustainable energy future in Europe.
“This signing shows the importance of European cooperation in building our energy future. I am proud to support SCK CEN and to see our country at the heart of this forward-looking momentum,” said Mathieu Bihet.
Strategic bilateral meetings
Throughout his trip, the Minister of Energy held numerous bilateral meetings, confirming the central role of nuclear power in today's major global challenges:
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🇯🇵 Minoru Kiuchi, Japanese Minister in charge of nuclear policy: discussions on relaunching their programme after Fukushima, rich in lessons for Belgium.
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🇺🇸 Chris Wright, U.S. Secretary of Energy, and 🇨🇦 Jeff Labonté, Canadian Associate Deputy Minister of Natural Resources: sharing experience on nuclear technologies and SMRs, paving the way for stronger cooperation.
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🇫🇷 Anne-Isabelle Etienvre, Administrator General of the CEA: confirmation of the implementation of the 23 July agreement between Belgium and France, the basis for structured cooperation in research and innovation.
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🇺🇦 Svitlana Grynchuk, Ukrainian Minister of Energy: discussion on the security of energy infrastructure amid the war; Belgium reaffirmed its unwavering support.
Belgium, driving force of the nuclear renaissance
The trip was also marked by the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Oncidium Foundation (a Belgian NGO) and the IAEA, aimed at promoting radioligand therapy in cancer treatment. A further illustration of Belgium's role in medical applications of nuclear power worldwide.
Finally, Minister Bihet had an initial exchange with Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of the IAEA, to present Belgium's new nuclear era: a long-term vision combining energy security, innovation and carbon neutrality.
A clear ambition
These advances and new partnerships confirm that Belgium is not only a reliable partner, but also a driving force behind the nuclear renaissance in Europe and around the world.
Read the article in Le Soir
