The International Atomic Energy Agency puts the 2021 figure for nuclear at 50.8%, but that was before the permanent shutdown of the Doel-3 nuclear plant in September 2022, bringing the number of commercial units in operation in the country to six.
Tihange-2 was taken offline earlier this month, leaving Belgium with five nuclear plants available.
Doel-1, Doel-2 and Tihange-1 are set to shut down in 2025, potentially leaving Belgium with just two plants in operation.
The Brussels-based Belgian Nuclear Forum said almost one fifth of Belgium’s electricity was generated by other low-carbon technologies in 2022, with 7.5% from offshore wind, 5% from onshore wind and 7.3% solar.
Despite the high availability of nuclear power plants and the increase in renewable energy capacity, the share of electricity from gas-fired power plants was higher in 2022 (26.9%) than in 2021 (24.7%). However, this figure was still much lower than that of 2020 (34.7%) and previous years, the forum said.
In January, Belgium reached an agreement with utility and nuclear operator Engie to extend the life of the Doel-4 and Tihange-3 reactors, reversing a plan to phase them out in 2025 as it looked for ways to secure reliable energy supply in the face of rising prices caused by the war in Ukraine.
Doel-4 and Tihange-3 were due to close for good in 2025, but will now restart in November 2026 after necessary work and will continue operating for 10 years.
The Belgian Nuclear Forum said Belgium should repeal its 2003 nuclear exit law as it looks for ways to deal with the energy crisis sparked by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and resulting gas and electricity price increases.