WePlanet appeals against permit for demolition of Tihange 1 and 2 cooling towers
- WePlanet
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
Press Release:
WePlanet has lodged an appeal against the permit granted by the municipality of Huy to Engie/Electrabel for the demolition of the cooling towers of the Tihange 1 and Tihange 2 nuclear reactors.
This permit is an irreversible step with far-reaching consequences for climate policy, energy security and affordability. Spokesperson de Schutter: ‘Belgium has reversed its nuclear phase-out, but is going to allow cooling towers to be demolished? Who can understand this?’
Irreversible decision with climate consequences:
In practice, the demolition of the cooling towers means that any restart or life extension of the reactors will be impossible. This makes the decision irreversible.
According to WePlanet, this has two serious consequences:
1. More CO₂ emissions: the loss of existing CO₂-free production capacity increases the likelihood that fossil fuel power stations will have to operate for longer or that additional gas capacity will be built. Under the ETS, this increases the political pressure to weaken climate targets.
2. Capital destruction: billions of euros worth of still usable infrastructure will be written off prematurely, even though restarting it is technically possible and economically rational.
WePlanet argues that restarting is better in every respect: CO₂ emissions will fall, it will strengthen security of supply at a time of growing electricity demand, and it will prevent the waste of public and private investment.
Insufficient consideration of alternatives:
The permit treats the demolition as a purely technical dismantling step, without a full assessment of alternatives such as preserving essential infrastructure pending future policy decisions. However, this choice affects national energy planning, climate targets and strategic autonomy.
Democratic and social interest:
Decisions with such far-reaching consequences should not be taken without full transparency and broad social consideration. WePlanet is therefore asking the competent court to suspend the permit until all climate effects, energy implications and economic alternatives have been properly investigated.
Statement:
‘Prematurely destroying perfectly usable CO₂-free energy infrastructure is bad for the climate, bad for energy security and bad for the economy,’ says Rob De Schutter. ‘Restarting Tihange 1 and 2 is technically feasible and socially more sensible than irreversible demolition. That is why we are appealing.’
What WePlanet is asking for
* Suspension of the demolition permit
* Full disclosure of the underlying studies
* A new assessment focusing on climate impact, energy security and capital preservation
About WePlanet
WePlanet is an international environmental organisation founded in 2020 to solve the climate problem based on scientific insights. WePlanet advocates technologies that demonstrably reduce CO₂ emissions and strengthen energy security. Nuclear energy plays an essential role in this: it is a reliable, inexpensive and CO₂-free energy source that is necessary to achieve climate targets and to maintain sufficient and affordable electricity for citizens and industry.
Contact:
Rob De Schutter
Head of Communications | WePlanet
+32 477 56 37 32