Exchange between the National Action Committee Against Nuclear Power (Aktiounscomité géint Atomkraaft) and Energy Minister Lex Delles
In a recent meeting with Energy Minister Lex Delles, key nuclear and energy policy issues of major relevance were discussed. The focus was on a possible extension of the operating lifetime of the Cattenom nuclear power plant, as well as European and regional developments in nuclear policy.
Lifetime extension of Cattenom: reactivation of the task force and preparation of the “decennial inspection”
At the outset, the minister emphasized the importance of addressing possible scenarios related to Cattenom in a structured manner already at this stage, in order for the state to be able to act credibly at a later point.
With regard to the “decennial inspection” scheduled for 2027, the Action Committee proposed reactivating the task force established in 2012 following Fukushima, in order to strengthen information flows and exchanges with civil society and other relevant stakeholders. In addition, the alliance called on the government to build up the necessary technical and legal expertise to identify potential points of intervention and legal challenges at an early stage.
The minister expressed openness to these proposals. The Action Committee is invited to submit a formal letter to the competent ministries requesting the reactivation of the task force and the strengthening of expertise.
The discussion also addressed whether activities exist or are planned in cooperation with regions of the Greater Region, in particular Saarland and Rhineland-Palatinate. The minister explained that measures at the national level as well as initiatives at the regional or local level could be meaningful, and that approaches at different levels should be pursued.
Status of lifetime extensions in Belgium
The Action Committee asked for information on the current situation in Belgium. The minister explained that the Belgian decision to extend the operating lifetimes of the Tihange 3 and Doel 4 reactors until 2035 is settled. At the same time, there is considerable uncertainty regarding the construction of new reactors. At present, the key questions concern how to secure financing for such construction and how to find an operator.
The issue of safety upgrades for existing reactors was noted and is being followed up internally.
Legal challenge against the EU taxonomy: Luxembourg does not join the appeal procedure
The minister clarified that the government has decided that Luxembourg will not join the appeal procedure initiated by several EU member states against the inclusion of nuclear energy in the EU taxonomy. This decision is considered final, even though Luxembourg remains legally involved in the process.
In the context of EU policy aimed at reducing dependence on Russian energy sources, the minister also pointed out that the European Commission is working on a draft that would in future also take fissile material into account.
Luxembourg investments in nuclear energy
The Action Committee criticized the fact that the Luxembourg state continues to invest in nuclear energy, for example through the pension fund. This weakens Luxembourg’s credibility in negotiations with France regarding Cattenom. Excluding such investments by public institutions would be a more coherent approach.
EU strategy on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)
With regard to current EU initiatives on SMRs, the minister explained that Luxembourg, together with other German-speaking states critical of nuclear power, continues to oppose these developments. However, this position is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain, as more and more EU member states are adopting a pro-nuclear stance. One central red line for the Luxembourg government remains: EU funds must not be used for the construction of new nuclear power plants.
Informing the public about energy and nuclear power
The Action Committee suggested that the government should better inform the public about the costs and risks of nuclear energy in order to counter the widespread dissemination of misinformation on social media. The minister noted that the government’s communication strategy focuses primarily on the expansion of renewable energies. Questions regarding existing information measures, such as preparedness-related topics, are being further coordinated internally.
In this context, the upcoming renewal of the iodine tablet campaign, coordinated by the relevant health authorities, was also mentioned.
Overall, it was a very factual and informative exchange. Another meeting is scheduled for March.
12/18/25