Belgian nuclear exit may lead to more emissions: IEA

Bloomberg

Belgium isn’t doing enough to curb its greenhouse gas emissions, a challenge highlighted by its plans to phase out nuclear energy, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).
The country, home to many of the European Union’s major institutions, has made limited progress on reducing its reliance on fossil fuels, the IEA said in a report. It called for Belgium to update its long-term plan to establish a clear commitment and path to climate neutrality by 2050.
“An unwavering focus will be needed to drive a sharper decline in emissions,” Fatih Birol, the IEA’s executive director, said in a statement. This needs to be done by “shifting the country’s energy system toward a broad portfolio of clean, secure and affordable sources of energy.”
The European Union last year unveiled its plan to become climate neutral by mid-century, part of its Green Deal, with a focus on more renewable energy sources.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February complicated those efforts, with countries now racing to find alternatives to Russian energy supplies.