The Dutch Minister for Infrastructure and the Environment Melanie Schultz has requested the Belgian government considers temporary closure of nuclear power stations. She has taken this approach after an investigation showed that the risk of fusion within a nuclear reactor was very much increased in the event of fire at Tihange. She explained this before the Dutch parliament.
The Minister did however concede that the investigation in question was somewhat rushed. However she says that it is clear that uncertainty remains, around safety in the event of fire.
Her suggestion to temporarily close the nuclear power stations, whilst awaiting a new in-depth study was however rejected by the Minister for the Interior, Jan Jambon.
Over the past month, Belgium's Federal Agency for Nuclear Monitoring had reported that there is what might perhaps be termed a failing safety culture at Electrabel. The Dutch Minister did acknowledge that Belgian authorities had taken a series of steps in the matter following this.
A major concern as to the safety of such nuclear power station is prevailing, within the cross-border regions close to Tihange.
Last weekend it was revealed that Germany had stocked up with iodine tablets owing to fears link to radiation exposure from the nuclear power station situated on the River Meuse.
The Brussels Times
