The development of nuclear energy in European Union countries
Ahead of the national referendum on building a nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan, we are exploring the use of ‘clean energy’ in various countries around the world. This time, a Kazinform News Agency correspondent examined the state and development of nuclear energy in several European Union countries.
Belgium delays nuclear reactor shutdown by 10 years
Belgium operates two nuclear power plants with a combined net capacity of 5761 MW. Since 1990, electricity consumption in the country has been slowly growing, and in 2016, nuclear energy provided 51.3% or 41 TWh per year of the country’s electricity. The first commercial nuclear power plant in Belgium began operation in 1974.
Notably, uranium ore was discovered in Katanga, in what was then Belgian Congo, in 1913. This discovery made Belgium one of the few countries with significant uranium reserves by the mid-20th century. Even before World War II, the United States had shown interest in the uranium reserves in Belgium’s colony. During the 1940s and 1950s, Belgium was one of the main suppliers of uranium to the U.S. This trade relationship gave Belgium access to nuclear technology for civilian use, leading to the creation of the “SCK•CEN” nuclear research center in Mol in 1952. The first reactor, BR1, began construction in 1956.
Belgium’s first nuclear power plant, Doel 1, was commissioned in 1974. Over the next decade, six more reactors were added to the grid. However, Belgium decided to phase out nuclear energy completely by 2025. Yet, in March 2022, the decision was made to postpone the closure of two reactors for another 10 years.
Jean Brabander, a counselor at the Brussels Diplomatic Academy and a member of the Belgian Bar, notes that opinions on nuclear energy development are divided across Europe.
“For example, France actively promotes the development of nuclear power, while Germany has decided to freeze it. Personally, I have a mixed view on nuclear power. On the one hand, it's important to realize that one day the plant will need to be decommissioned, which will take a lot of time and money. On the other hand, it’s clean energy without harmful emissions, which is great. Another question is the cost of nuclear energy—building a nuclear power plant is expensive, and it’s important to choose the right technology,” the expert said.
He believes many factors must be taken into account.
“But overall, it’s clean energy without harmful emissions, which is a definite advantage. Belgium was one of the first countries in the world to build nuclear power plants, giving us experience not only in operation but also in the effective disposal of nuclear waste, which is a complex process. Today, Belgium has two nuclear power plants that help the country meet its energy needs,” Brabander concluded.
One-third of Czech electricity comes from two nuclear power plants
The Czech Republic has six nuclear reactors generating about one-third of the country’s electricity. The first commercial nuclear reactor was put into operation in 1985, and the government is firmly committed to the future of nuclear energy. The Czech government’s policy aims for a substantial increase in nuclear capacity by 2040.
Czech member of the European Parliament (MEP) Tomáš Zdechovský believes that nuclear energy is the best solution for a country like the Czech Republic.
“We have a good track record in operating nuclear power plants. We have two nuclear fuel stations—Dukovany and Temelín—both producing over a third of all energy in the Czech Republic. This helps ensure industrial stability and reliability. These are clean technologies that make us stronger and more resilient. We can even export energy to our neighbors, such as Austria or Germany,” the MEP said.
He also commented on the importance of holding referendums.
“All referendums are a positive indicator of democratic states. People have the right to vote; it’s up to them to decide. For example, if we were to hold a referendum in the Czech Republic on nuclear energy, I’m confident that more than two-thirds of the population would vote in favor of peaceful nuclear power. Czechs would answer clearly: ‘We support nuclear energy,’” the expert concluded.
Hungary invests in building new nuclear power plants
Hungary has four nuclear reactors producing about half of the country’s electricity. The first commercial reactor began operating in 1982. In 1956, Hungary established its National Atomic Energy Committee, and in 1959, the country’s first research reactor reached criticality. In 1966, an intergovernmental agreement between Hungary and the Soviet Union was signed to build a nuclear power plant, and in 1967, the Paks site, located 100 km south of Budapest, was selected. The first two blocks were ordered in 1971, and construction began in 1974. The four VVER-440 reactors (model V-213) were commissioned between 1982 and 1987.
The Paks nuclear power plant in Hungary is owned and operated by MVM Paks Nuclear Power Plant Ltd., a subsidiary of the state-owned MVM Hungary Electricity Ltd. The Hungarian parliament has fully supported the construction of two new nuclear reactors, and contracts have been signed for their construction.
Hungarian MEP András László notes that the large nuclear power plant in Paks has been operating successfully for forty years.
“Hungary has also decided to invest in building new nuclear plants to replace the old ones. Nuclear energy is not a politically sensitive issue in Hungary. Our Fidesz party supports the construction of the next nuclear power plant. Of course, there are minor groups from green parties that oppose nuclear energy. But I repeat it’s not a significant issue here. Considering that the current nuclear plant generates about 50% of Hungary’s electricity, it has been a crucial part of our energy system for the last forty years. And today, there are no problems in Paks, the city where the nuclear plant is located. I’m confident that most Hungarians support building a new nuclear power plant,” the expert said.
He added that Hungary also holds national referendums on serious domestic policy issues.
“Of course, when any country considers large projects, it’s important to have public support. In our experience, nuclear power plants are an essential part of our energy system, as our country heavily relied on energy imports. Regarding the construction of nuclear power plants in Kazakhstan, I’d like to add that Hungary could share its experience in building and operating such energy facilities, considering the close and friendly relations between our countries,” András László shared his opinion.
Earlier, we wrote about why France chose nuclear energy and became a global power in this field, ranking third in the world in nuclear power generation.