Dutch Municipalities Appeal to EU Over Extension of Aging Belgian NPP's Life

The Dutch municipalities of Bergen op Zoom, Steenbergen and Tholen appealed to the European Commission following the Belgian decision to extend the exploitation period of the Doel Nuclear Power Plant's (NPP) first and second reactors until 2025.

BRUSSELS (Sputnik) — The Dutch local authorities are reportedly not satisfied with the fact that Brussels made the decision without consulting Amsterdam as required under the relevant international agreements, Le Soir newspaper reported.

Doel is one of the oldest nuclear power plants in Europe, having been commissioned on February 15, 1975.

The Belgian government and NPP operator Electrabel struck a deal to extend the life of two Doel's reactors until 2025. Environmental organizations harshly criticized the decision, however, Electrabel has asserted that the reactors are reliable. The government in turn approved the move based on the fact that the removal of the power units from operation could lead to power shortages.