During Tuesday 12 November's Energy committee, the Mouvement Réformateur urgently submitted its text aimed at revising the law on the security and protection of critical infrastructure. This revision aims to ensure that no irreversible decision is taken regarding our energy supply.
In September, the MR had already tabled a bill aimed at “safeguarding” electricity sector infrastructure by introducing a procedure to revoke their status. This measure would require operators to obtain prior authorisation before any cessation of activity.
Last week, Engie began chemical decontamination of the primary circuit of the Tihange 2 reactor. Regarding this, Mathieu Bihet, federal MP, said: “It is unimaginable, in the current context, to let Engie permanently shut down reactors when we must keep all options open for our future energy mix.”
Specifically, the MR wants to suspend the decommissioning or dismantling of the reactors as long as their critical infrastructure status has not been revoked. The aim is to avoid steps that would make any future use of these reactors irreversible.
It is essential to keep every chance open to define our future energy mix, in particular by extending the lifespan of the nuclear reactors Doel 1, Doel 2 and Tihange 1, currently scheduled for closure in 2025.
Through this bill, the MR will ensure the protection of our energy infrastructure.