The Belgian government is looking to take control of all seven nuclear reactors in the country in an effort to revitalize a domestic nuclear energy sector that once looked ready to disappear.

Belgium, French utility Engie, and its Belgian subsidiary Electrabel signed a letter of intent on April 30 that allows the government to enter exclusive negotiations to potentially acquire all of Engie's and Electrabel's nuclear facilities and assets in the European country. This includes the "complete nuclear fleet of seven reactors, the associated personnel, all nuclear subsidiaries, as well as all associated assets and liabilities, including decommissioning and dismantling obligations."

According to a joint announcement about the LOI, "This initiative reflects the Belgian government's strategic decision to assume direct ownership of the country's nuclear assets, in line with its ambition to extend the operation of existing nuclear reactors and to develop new nuclear capacity in Belgium."

"By doing so," the statement continues, "the Belgian government is taking responsibility for Belgium's long-term energy future, with the objective of building a financially and economically viable activity that supports security of supply, climate objectives, industrial resilience, and socio-economic prosperity."

Background: Belgium has seven nuclear reactors at two power plants-four at Doel and three at Tihange. However, only two are operational: the 1,026-MWe Doel-4 and the 1,030-MWe Tihange-3. A 2003 Belgian law banned the construction of new nuclear reactors and called for the eventual decommissioning of all units.

Doel-1 and -2 were permanently shut down in February 2025 and November 2025, respectively, while Tihange-1 was permanently shut down in October 2025. Doel-3 was permanently shut down in September 2022, followed by Tihange-2 in January 2023.

Belgian Prime Minister Bart de Wever and the Belgian government have been trying to reverse course on the country's nuclear phaseout policy. Last May, the Belgian parliament voted by a large margin to end the phaseout. Meanwhile, Engie and Belgium agreed to a 10-year extension of Doel-4's and Tihange-3's operating licenses so operations can continue until 2035.

The Belgian Nuclear Forum, a group established to educate and advocate in favor of nuclear energy, welcomed the news and praised De Wever and government officials for reaching this point.

"This step demonstrates political determination and vision within the government. It reinforces a new and positive perspective on Belgium's security of energy supply," said forum CEO Serge Dauby.

What happens next: The Belgian government will conduct a comprehensive due diligence review of the facilities and assets, according to the announcement. The objective is to reach an agreement by October 1, 2026. While all sides await the outcome of negotiations, all decommissioning and dismantling efforts in Belgium's nuclear industry will be suspended. The letter of intent, however, does not bind them to complete the transaction, and the transaction is subject to other factors, including third-party and regulatory approvals.