Belgium's parliament must 'Choose Positive Energy'

Belgium draws 60 percent of its power from nuclear power plants. This inherently risky and polluting nuclear industry continues to receive enormous subsidies and preferential treatment. There is no economic argument for this ill-conceived policy. A British government report recently published on demand by UK Prime Minister Tony Blair shows that nuclear energy is more expensive than wind power.

But a welcome end could be in sight for this country's preference for nuclear power. It will hinge on the outcome of a historic debate in the Belgium parliament. On July 3 legislators begin to discuss a draft law for a nuclear phase out that could limit the operation of country's aging reactors to 40 years. This means three of the oldest reactors would cease operations by 2015, four more by 2025.

Greenpeace energy campaigner Jan Van de Putte said, "Members of the Belgium parliament, about to vote on the law, have to take their responsibility with respect to future generations and put an end to the obstacles in the way of renewable energies."

Belgian leaders should choose the most rapid timeframe to end the operation of the reactors, and remove barriers that hinder the development of renewable energy such as wind. Cogeneration (combined heat and power) and energy efficiency should also be part of the "Positive Energy" solution for Belgium.

This shift would end the risk of nuclear accidents and the 120 tons of highly radioactive waste created yearly by Belgium's nuclear industry. And it would oversee the eventual demise of nuclear power as a costly and unsustainable source of electricity generation.

Not only is wind power more cost effective than nuclear, wind resources are also plentiful. Research shows that offshore wind potential from the North Sea is more than double the North Sea countries' current total electricity production.

But unfair and preferential subsidies to nuclear power prevent the large-scale development of renewable energy in Belgium and many other countries. Nuclear power benefits from limited liability in case of accident, subsidies for research, and free access to the grid. Belgian wind power generators, for example, have to pay for access to the grid. Depending on how many of subsidies are considered, nuclear power is up to nine times more expensive than wind.

This preferential treatment for nuclear power creates unfair competition within the electricity market that stalls the development of safer, cleaner and cheaper renewable energy.

The Belgian parliament must seize this opportunity to leave the next generation of Belgians with a safer, more environmentally sound way to generate power.

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