A Belgian-German Nuclear Committee met for the first time in Bonn, Germany yesterday (Wednesday). The aim of this two-day symposium is to discuss nuclear power station safety at Doel and Tihange, following fears expressed by the German population on the subject. This Nuclear Committee meeting took place at Germany’s request, following the problem of cracks noted with the Tihange 2 and Doel 3 nuclear reactors. These sites are respectively 70 and 140 kilometres from the German border.
This group, which has met yesterday (Wednesday) and is also convening today (Thursday), is comprised of specialists and nuclear regulators from both countries. Erik Hulsbosch, Head of Communication & Information, at the Federal Agency for Nuclear Monitoring (known as “AFCN”), said, “It is firstly a question of inspection and ‘cross-inspection’, or monitoring checks carried out by the German regulator on Belgian reactors.”
Mr Hulbosch considered, “This meeting is taking place given pressure applied through German public opinion.” He went on, “It is our duty to get the message over that we have to act as an objective and independent regulator, and that as such we will not hesitate to lay down given measures and a culture of safety at the plants.”
He added, “Germany would also like access field data more quickly, an aspect which we need work upon.” Per the German press agency DPA (Deutsche Presse-Agentur GmbH), a demonstration organised by anti-nuclear militants was held on yesterday in Bonn.
The Brussels Times
