Belgian nuclear expertise, stronger than ever at World Nuclear Exhibition 2025

The Belgian Nuclear Forum, in collaboration with Agoria and the Belgian Nuclear Society (BNS), is coordinating Belgium's participation in this prestigious trade fair. With no fewer than 15 Belgian companies presenting their expertise and innovations at the Belgian Pavilion, this is Belgium's largest ever presence at WNE to date. The companies participating in the Belgian Pavilion cover a wide range of nuclear activities – from engineering and research to component production and logistics to digitization and waste processing.

Belgium has built up strong and versatile nuclear expertise that is recognised worldwide. "We have always played a pioneering role in nuclear technology and remain an important hub of nuclear expertise", says Serge Dauby, Managing Director of the Belgian Nuclear Forum. "This is clearly visible here today at the Belgian Pavilion, with 15 companies showcasing world-class nuclear expertise. They are ready for the nuclear revival that is coming worldwide, including in Belgium."

A similar sentiment is echoed by Agoria, co-organiser of the Belgian Pavilion: "Agoria's nuclear technology companies and the Belgian Nuclear Forum, together with Belgian research institutions and our governments, are rallying behind the European nuclear renaissance. This will not just be one component, but one of the most important pillars of sustainable electricity supply for the entire European industry and its consumers. Belgian technology companies are fully prepared to play their crucial role in this", says Christian Dierick, leader of Big Science TECH BELGIUM and nuclear expert at technology federation Agoria.

A nuclear revival is also expected in Belgium, now that the main obstacle (the nuclear phase-out law) was completely amended a few months ago by the new government, with Minister Bihet responsible for Energy. "The road to new nuclear in Belgium is open again", said Serge Dauby, Managing Director of the Belgian Nuclear Forum.

With Minister Bihet's official presence, the Belgian government is once again emphasising its support for the expertise, innovative strength and strategic role of the nuclear industry in Belgium. Minister Bihet felt it was important to inaugurate the Belgian Pavilion here today: "Belgium has an exceptional nuclear industry, supported by companies and talented individuals capable of integrating the most demanding supply chains in the world. After twenty years of uncertainty, it is time to reconnect this expertise, rebuild our industrial capabilities and prepare for the future of “new nuclear”. The Belgian Pavilion is a striking demonstration of this: our country remains an international authority, ready to contribute fully to the European nuclear revival."

An important theme this year is the need to strengthen the nuclear supply chain. After all, the growing demand for nuclear technologies, both internationally and domestically, will be accompanied by an increasing need for qualified workers and engineers.

"The biggest challenge for our sector lies in attracting and training enough talent to make the nuclear supply chain future-proof", Dauby emphasises. "We will provide Belgian companies with the best possible support in obtaining the necessary qualifications and certifications so that they too can play a role in the nuclear supply chain. In addition, enhanced cross-border cooperation will be necessary."

It is no coincidence that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was previously signed between the Belgian Nuclear Forum and the French federation GIFEN, following the Franco-Belgian agreement on nuclear cooperation between Minister Bihet and his French counterpart. Today, the Belgian Nuclear Forum is also signing a Letter of Intent with the Canadian utility company OPG, which is thus applying to become a potential nuclear operator of SMRs in Belgium.

The Belgian Nuclear Society (BNS), a learned society that promotes the advancement of science and technology in all peaceful applications of nuclear energy, is also ready to continue its strong support for the use of nuclear energy in Belgium and the European Union. "Our recent event on nuclear skills, education, training and workforce showed that there is a need for consolidated action with all stakeholders in the sector", said Michèle Auglaire, chair of BNS.