CHP to replace nuclear power in Belgium

Belgium’s cogeneration operators claim they are in pole position to replace nuclear power plants scheduled for phase out in the middle of the next decade.

The Brussels Times reports that cogeneration is part of the overall plan for the closure of nuclear power stations, anticipated for 2025.

Cogeneration power stations currently supply 18% of energy consumed in Belgium. They are likely to supply an additional capacity of 1,000 MW by 2025, according to the sector organisation Cogen.

De Standaard newspaper also stated that the power stations will generate the equivalent electricity to a large nuclear power station. ELIA (Belgium’s electricity generator) had estimated that 8 to 9 gas-fired power stations may be necessary to compensate for the planned closure of the nuclear power stations in 2025.

However, the cogeneration sector considers that the gas-fired power station demand may be reduced to 7, if the industry focuses upon the development of cogeneration.

Cogeneration power stations may be constructed far more quickly, and without European authorization, as state aid is required to install gas-fired power stations.

Source: Decentralised Energy