"Belgians understand Netherlands concern about nuclear power plant '

Both mayors of the border municipalities as opposition parties in The Hague complaining about the lack of information from Belgium. The Belgians understand such concerns, but emphasize that the situation is safe, says NIS correspondent Joris van Poppel in the NOS Radio 1 news.

Yet another incident

Last weekend was one of the reactors are once again shut down because of an incident. What was going on Saturday, is not yet clear. According to the Belgian newspaper De Morgen was first reactor shut down because there was a problem with the alternator. That's a big dynamo that generates electricity.

Goal 3 was on Christmas Day silent because of a water leak, after the reactor shortly before it was started up again after three years. Goal 2, after two months of maintenance in early December restart.

In Belgium, there is a lot of concern and criticism of the state of affairs. "They understand that we look sharp from the Netherlands and Germany to what the Belgians," said Van Poppel. "But do not forget that there are already arrangements have been made ​​to Dutch inspectors may Belgian inspectors Moreover, since the Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan also European controls and each time the conclusion is:.. The nuclear power plant is old, but safe."

Unnecessary risks

Doel 1 and 2 are already forty years old. Recently, the Belgian government decided to keep the reactors ten years longer open. "While ever they are designed for thirty years. Fifty years is too long," explains the correspondent from. "Unnecessary risks are taken Experts say they remain in Belgium and the Government persevere despite the criticism. What is worn out, has already been replaced so the concerns are not necessary.".

Van Poppel are very important for nuclear power in Belgium. "Half of all power comes from. They have to turn to when it may soon be still quite cold."

NOS.nl/ © AFP