Doel: a landmark of controversy! - a photo on Flickriver

            The Doel nuclear power plant (KCD: Kerncentrale Doel) is located in the port of Antwerp, on the left embankment of the River Scheldt near the village of Doel (hence it’s name). The site houses 4 nuclear reactors with a total capacity of 2 905 MW. They were put into operation in the period 1975-1985. The plant represents about 15% of the total electricity production capacity in Belgium.

The KCD is not only a landmark in the landscape around Antwerp, but also the focus of  public debate. Both the two Belgian nuclear power plants,Doel and Tihange, have structural concrete problems. During inspections by operator Engie Electrabel it was found that there a decay of concrete or carbonation in the ceilings of the two reactors; amongst them Doel 4. And the problems are rapidly accumulating lately. Earlier this year, a leak was found in Doel 1 and a technical defect in Doel 4. The nuclear regulator (Federaal Agentschap voor Nucleaire Controle (FANC)) emphasizes that there are no risks for "the population, the employees and the environment" But nonetheless, the KCD is relatively outdated. Doel 1 and 2 commenced operations in 1975.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) demanded additional security guarantees last year after inspection of the Doel nuclear power plant, after which the management of the plant promised to follow the recommendations of the agency. Next year the IAEA will do another inspection.

Cracks
However, the problems have been going on for much longer. In recent years, it has been established several times that the concrete in the reactors does not meet the (international) requirements. The reactors also had to be shut down several times because of defects. What caused a great deal of controversy was that in 2012, cracks were discovered in the reactor vessels of Tihange 2 and Doel 3. Again FANC stated that there wasn’t any danger. The energy production was temporarily shut down but also soon started up again. But 2 years ago, once more cracks were discovered in a reactor vessel again. 

Technical stuff
This is a single handheld HDR photo. Post-production was done in Aurora HDR 2018 and Lightroom CC.  I finally added copyright signs. The latter is, alas, there to stay due to the fact that my photos were frequently copied. So, don't bother commenting on that.

Taken in: Belgique / Oost-Vlaanderen / Beveren (show map)

Taken on: December 22, 2018

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