Two nuclear plants to remain shut for further tests

The reactors of Doel 3 and Tihange 2 nuclear plants will not start up again before this autumn at the earliest, announced Electrabel, the operator of the two plants. Tests on the two reactors’ steel tanks are taking longer than expected. Electrabel has been running a test programme on site for a while, but so far results are too limited to be able to draw definite conclusions.

If an improvement is noted over time, Electrabel will submit its results again to the national nuclear safety authority, FANC/AFCN, which will then analyse them before taking a decision. A spokesperson for FANC/AFCN refused to be rushed on fixing a date for the re-launch of the reactors: “FANC will take all the time that is needed. Safety is our absolute priority,” they said.

The reactors of the two plants were shut down in March, when tests on the reactors did not draw the results that had been expected. The toughness and resistance of the tanks’ steel to traction and shock resulted in non-compliant results. "The displayed abnormalities are sufficient to take precautions. The results differ from what was expected, based on theoretical models,” stated FANC at the time.

Electrabel has nevetheless assured its customers that it will continue to supply power, even beyond winter if necessary, through its Belgian production facilities or through electricity imports.