Belgium’s nuclear regulator has approved the restart of the Doel-4 nuclear power plant following an overhaul that was part of preparations for long-term operation until 2035.

The Federal Agency for Nuclear Control (Fanc) said that with its technical subsidiary Bel V it had ​​concluded that the 1,026-MW pressurised water reactor (PWR) unit, which began commercial operation in 1985, met the conditions for a safe restart and extended operation.

Fanc said the operating extension follows a decision by the federal government to “deviate from a planned nuclear phaseout policy” announced in 2003 in order to address concerns about Belgium’s energy supply.