Survey shows Belgians want extension of nuclear power plants

More than half of survey respondents in Belgium advocate extending the operational lifespan of the current nuclear power plants in the country due to the energy crisis, global market research company Ipsos showed in a recent survey in March.

Ipsos carried out a survey among 2,600 participants about the approach to nuclear energy on behalf of Belgium’s Le Soir, RTL Info, HLN and VTM media organizations.

The results released on Tuesday showed that 70% of the people surveyed in Belgium approve of the government’s decision to extend the operating periods of the Doel 4 and Tihange 3 nuclear reactors.

A total of seven reactors were operational in Belgium, four of which were at the Doel nuclear power plant close to the Dutch border, and three at the Tihange nuclear power plant close to the German and Luxembourg borders.

The Doel 3 reactor was closed in September last year, and the Tihange 2 reactor was closed at the end of January 2023.

Additionally, 60% of those surveyed believe the operating periods of all nuclear reactors in the country should be extended, including the two currently closed reactors.

The majority of those surveyed see nuclear power plants as a solution to future energy problems, and more than half believe Belgium should invest in new nuclear power plants.

Prior to the Russia-Ukraine War, the Belgian government had prepared a plan for the decommissioning of all nuclear power plants in 2025.

• Belgium's Le Soir
• HLN and VTM media organizations.
• RTL Info