Belgium Permanently Shuts Down Doel-2 Nuclear Reactor After 50 Years

Doel-2 Ceases Operations After Five Decades

The Doel-2 nuclear reactor, located near Antwerp on the banks of the Scheldt River, was permanently shut down on November 30, 2025, after 50 years of continuous operation. This event marks a significant step in Belgium's energy transition, as Doel-2 becomes the fifth nuclear reactor in the country to be taken offline.

Operated by Engie Electrabel, the 445-megawatt (MWe) pressurized water reactor officially began generating electricity on December 1, 1975. Its closure follows those of Doel 3 in September 2022, Tihange 2 in February 2023, Doel 1 in February 2025, and Tihange 1 in September 2025.

Evolution of Belgium's Nuclear Phase-out Policy

The shutdown of Doel-2 aligns with Belgium's long-standing nuclear phase-out policy, initially mandated by a federal law on January 31, 2003. This legislation required all seven of the country's nuclear power reactors to be decommissioned by 2025. However, the policy has undergone several revisions over the years. Amendments in 2013 and 2015 allowed Doel 1 and Doel 2 to continue operating for an additional ten years beyond their initial 40-year lifespan.

More recently, the Belgian Parliament voted in May 2025 to repeal the 2003 phase-out law, signaling a potential shift in the country's energy strategy. This decision reopens the door for nuclear energy and the possible construction of new reactors. Despite this, the closure of Doel-2 proceeded as planned, partly because the reactor no longer met legal safety requirements for continued operation, and operator Engie had no plans to keep it in use.

Decommissioning Process and Remaining Reactors

With the reactor now disconnected from the high-voltage grid, the shutdown phase for Doel-2 has commenced. This initial stage involves cooling down the reactor, followed by the unloading of fuel. The fuel will then require two to three years of cooling before it can be transported for storage. The actual dismantling of Doel-2 is projected to take place between 2039 and 2040, subject to obtaining the necessary permits.

Following the closure of Doel-2, Belgium now has only two operational nuclear reactors: Doel 4 in Flanders and Tihange 3 in Wallonia. These two reactors are currently slated to operate until 2035, with ongoing discussions and agreements aiming to potentially extend their operational lives further, possibly until 2045, to ensure energy security.

Impact on Belgium's Energy Landscape

The retirement of Doel-2 contributes to a changing energy mix in Belgium. In 2024, nuclear power accounted for approximately 42% of the electricity consumed in the country. Doel-2 alone produced an estimated 150 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity during its operational lifetime, which is credited with avoiding 70 million tonnes of CO2 emissions. Belgium remains significantly dependent on energy imports, particularly crude oil and natural gas, with an energy dependency rate of nearly 76%. The country's energy strategy continues to evolve, balancing nuclear phase-out goals with concerns for energy security and climate targets.