Europe is faced with an extraordinary challenge in the matter of energy: to ensure a level of independence that guarantees security of supply, while taking into account the environmental (mainly global warming) and economic (preserving business competitiveness and household purchasing power) issues.
This can only be achieved by making use of the whole panoply of available means: keeping demand and, therefore, consumption under control (rational use of energy, energy efficiency applications) and improving supply, in particular by emphasising the focus of Research and Development on the means of production.
Together with renewable forms of energy and fossil fuels, nuclear energy appears to be an inescapable part of the solution. Nuclear energy is thus not THE solution but there is no solution without nuclear energy.
The question of the phasing out of nuclear power in Belgium is a question for society and therefore of political choice. This is not within the competence of Electrabel. The company is nevertheless ready to assume its responsibilities. In order to do this, it needs a clear signal which will make it possible to take decisions which involve a long-term commitment. Technically, these decisions must be taken by 2008 at the latest.
