Present situation of the nuclear power plants in Belgium

In Belgium, nuclear energy represents 60% of the total electricity generation. All reactors are pressurized water reactors, with fuel cycle lengths varying from 12 to 18 months, using high-enriched fuel. MOX-fuel is burned in two units. The steam generators of all 1000 MW units have been replaced. The reprocessing of the spent fuel from the first units is terminated and storage occurs now for medium term in new buildings erected at the respective sites. No new nuclear power plants are permitted at this time. The major challenge is now to continue the safe operation of the plants, to reach at least their expected service life of 40 years, and to maintain the present satisfactory public acceptance while effectively reducing costs. The plants show very good availability factors with short outages for refuelling.