Small modular reactors could potentially transform the Belgian landscape by addressing some of the toughest challenges of the 21st century including security of energy supply, sustainability, and energy affordability, a report by consulting firm KPMG concluded.

KPMG said SMRs could offer Belgium benefits including flexibility to accommodate intermittent renewable sources, stable and reliable baseload generation, and improved investment attractiveness and inherent safety.

KPMG said Belgium’s partial nuclear phaseout means it will face the prospect of relying significantly on energy imports as its energy demand is expected to exceed the potential of local renewable energy production.

The situation can be improved if the country “invests considerably” in renewables and new nuclear capacity, said KPMG.