The Belgian government has announced its support for the development of a furnace at the SCK-CEN nuclear research center in Mol, Antwerp province. The furnace will be used to melt down

steel from decommissioned nuclear power plants, according to Energy Minister Tinne Van der Straeten and Economy Minister Pierre-Yves Dermagne. The move comes as Belgium prepares to decommission at least five of its seven nuclear reactors, which is considered to be a complex and costly process.

During the dismantling of the reactors, three types of metals are generated. Non-radioactive metals can be recycled, while contaminated materials are sent to the National Agency for Radioactive Waste and Enriched Fissile Materials (NIRAS). The remaining metal, referred to as "partially radioactive," requires a specialized furnace for recycling. The government will provide financial support for the development of this furnace, allowing the SCK-CEN to build expertise in the decommissioning sector and potentially export their knowledge to other countries.

Belgium had initially planned to close all nuclear power plants by 2025 but extended the timeline due to recent events, including the Russian invasion of Ukraine and subsequent energy crisis. Engie, the parent company of Engie Electrabel and operator of Belgium's nuclear power plants, is currently in negotiations with the government regarding the agreed-upon lifetime extension. The investment in the furnace is expected to contribute to economic development and sustainable local employment in the decommissioning sector.

As part of the ongoing decommissioning efforts, reactor 2 of the Tihange nuclear power plant in the province of Liège was permanently shut down earlier this year. The government aims to finalize the agreement on the nuclear extension with Engie by the end of June 2023. Photo by Trougnouf, Wikimedia commons.