Damage found to concrete shell around Doel 4 nuclear reactor

The planned restart of the Doel 4 nuclear reactor has been postponed until December because the outer shell has been damaged. During a scheduled maintenance service, inspectors discovered damage to the concrete reinforcement of the outermost of two casings above the reactor.

Last year, the Alexander Decroo government and operator Electrabel decided to keep the Doel 4 and Tihange 3 reactors operational for ten more years. Although it was initially decided to close them in 2025, the reactors can continue to supply power until 2035. That is why the inspection occurred.

Out of service

Further research is needed, so the nuclear power plant remains out of service longer. The intention was to generate power again on October 23rd, but that has been postponed to December 1st.

According to resigning Minister of Energy Tinne Van der Straeten (Groen), the reactor’s unavailability will not affect supply security, even if Doel 4 remains unavailable all winter.

No danger to people and the environment

In the meantime, the other remaining nuclear reactors are up and running. Moreover, the demand peak is less high than expected and all offshore wind turbines of the first offshore wind zone are operational.

The Federal Agency for Nuclear Control (FANC), the Belgian safety authority for nuclear energy, has announced that there is no danger to people and the environment because the Doel 4 reactor is shut down and the nuclear fuel has been removed for research.