“The federal government is making the right decision”, says Voka, the Flemish network of companies. “We must not depend on unstable foreign regimes for our energy supply. We must opt for the energy mix that minimizes the risk of power shortages. And we must drastically limit CO2 emissions by focusing more than ever on renewable energy” , says Hans Maertens, CEO of Voka.
The Confederation of Belgian Enterprises (VBO) wants to study all the details of the decision before responding in detail. “But a threefold feeling prevails in the business world. First of all, we are relieved that the decision to extend the nuclear reactors has been taken. We are also satisfied with the determined intentions to accelerate the energy transition,” says CEO Pieter Timmermans.
“Finally, the FEB hopes that there is now also a sense of urgency to quickly obtain the required permits for the much-needed investments to effectively realize the future energy mix.”
“We are pleased that the federal government has finally succeeded in reaching a consensus in energy policy,” said Unizo, an organization for small businesses. “That alone is a big step forward.”
Technology federation Agoria also welcomes the decision to keep the two nuclear reactors open longer. “It took a war in Ukraine, resulting in a deep energy crisis, to make clear the importance of energy supply: maintaining properly functioning nuclear reactors, investing in modern gas-fired power stations, making energy demand more flexible through digitalisation, further developing renewable energy.” and hydrogen will be needed to provide our country with sufficient security of supply, to diversify energy imports sufficiently and to achieve the climate objectives,” says Bart Steukers, CEO of technology federation Agoria.
“Even if it is only about starting negotiations, today’s decision offers perspective to both energy consumers and investors and therefore also suppliers of energy technology. That the energy agreement also contains a number of measures for the longer term, namely the acceleration of the energy transition , was necessary,” says Bart Steukers.
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