6 in 10 Belgian nuclear companies postpone investments amid energy policy ‘uncertainty’

The companies are calling on the government to provide a clear and predictable energy strategy, including concrete decisions and timelines for future nuclear projects.

Belgium has been moving toward a nuclear phase-out over the past two decades.

However, the nuclear sector continues to account for more than 8,000 full-time jobs and generate over €9 billion ($9.9 billion) in annual turnover.

Agoria said the sector has significant growth potential but needs clarity from the government on its nuclear ambitions.

“We need clear decisions and a concrete schedule for nuclear projects so that companies can prepare for the future,” Agoria CEO Bart Steukers said.

He stressed that businesses remain uncertain about which types of nuclear facilities the government intends to develop, where they would be built and when construction could begin.

“It is currently completely unclear what is going to happen and when,” he said.

Steukers said the government should clarify whether it plans to build large-scale nuclear power plants or small modular reactors (SMRs), as well as specify locations, timelines and regulatory conditions.

Agoria estimates that a clear and predictable policy could generate an additional €3 billion ($3.3 billion) in turnover and create 500 new jobs in the sector within two years.