“We deny the assertion”: Engie distances itself from Etienne Davignon’s comments on Vilvoorde and the extension of nuclear power in Belgium
Engie frankly distanced itself from the remarks made in the columns of The Echo by Etienne Davignon, yet an advisor to the group’s managers, on the gas-fired power plant project in Vilvoorde on the one hand and on the timing of the extension of the two oldest nuclear reactors, Doel 4 and Tihange 3, on the other . The Viscount hinted to the newspaper The Echo that Engie would not appeal against the decision to refuse a permit for its project for a new gas-fired power plant in Vilvoorde.
“We are surprised by the comments made by Mr. Davignon who certainly has good experience of the energy sector and its challenges, but is not directly involved in the discussions on the extension of nuclear power which are currently taking place between Engie and the State. Belgian”the group reacted on Thursday, adding that Etienne Davignon “also has no mandate to speak on behalf of Engie”.
“We deny the claim that nuclear power plants could be available as early as winter 2025, this statement is not based on a good knowledge of the industrial, legislative and regulatory obstacles of the file”adds the group, in line with the position it has held for several months.
With regard to the Vilvoorde project, “we are convinced of its importance for Belgium and its added value in terms of security of supply, this at the societal cost and the lowest environmental footprint”continues Engie. “We are awaiting the permit to be issued by the permanent delegation of the province of Flemish Brabant. This is a project that could participate in new auctions if new capacity needs are identified by the authorities”end the group.