Belgian nuclear reactors shut down for longer

target - The restart of two of the four reactors at the nuclear power plant in the Belgian Doel has been postponed. Instead of October, it will be December, operator Engie Electrabel reports.

The reactors are in maintenance because they remain in use longer than originally planned. During an inspection of reactor 1, it appeared that something had to be done on the back-up cooling system. As a precaution, the system of reactor 2 is now also being addressed.

Target 1 will be put back into use in accordance with the new plans on 10 December and Target 2 on 31 December. The third reactor recently received permission to restart after a long period of maintenance after problems with the concrete. Number four will stop until mid-December to investigate whether there are concrete problems.

Neighboring countries are concerned about the safety of the plant near Antwerp. This also applies to the other Belgian nuclear power plant in Tihange, not far from Liège.