A new voice for a bright future.
We are passionate engineers convinced by the role of nuclear energy in the energy transition and for a carbon-free world.
Our purpose
We founded the think thank Horizon 238 to explain and share our realistic vision of the energy transition.
We are convinced that renewable energies will be at the center of this transition to a low-carbon world.
However, they will another energy source to form a clean energy mix, without fossil fuels (gas, oil, coal).
One energy can fulfill this role: nuclear power.
The law governing our energy future was passed 18 years ago!
Did you know? The law on the gradual phase-out of nuclear energy in Belgium was passed on January 31, 2003. However, it is the young generation that will bear the brunt of it.
Another era, a completely different context
In 2003, the iPhone did not exist and the Kyoto Protocol (reduction of greenhouse gas emissions) had not yet entered into force. Nearly two decades later, the context is profoundly different and climate issues have taken on a considerable scale.
Belgian nuclear expertise still at the forefront
Since then, nuclear science has constantly evolved. Research in Belgium has actively contributed to the development of new technologies ready to meet the challenges posed: waste management, nuclear safety, and production flexibility.
A decision against the tide
While all efforts must be directed towards reducing our emissions, the 2003 law will deprive Belgium of a low-carbon energy: nuclear power.
Concretely:
Extending Doel 4 and Tihange 3 would maintain the expertise of Belgium’s industry and leave us with a valuable option: that of using new nuclear technologies to decarbonize our society. Modernizing the 2003 law is possible since Sweden did the same in 2010.
The Belgian electricity mix
2019, a low-carbon mix
Today, nearly half of the electricity in Belgium comes from its nuclear reactors which produce low-carbon electricity. Another third of Belgium’s electricity is produced from fossil fuels (mainly natural gas).
Electricity production (TWh) by source (Belgium, 2019)
Source: International Energy Agency (IEA).
2030, back to fossil fuels
According to EnergyVille, if nuclear power is phased out in 2025, the share of fossil fuels could reach up to 56% of Belgium’s electricity production. This is almost double today’s figure.
Electricity production (TWh) by source (Belgium, 2030)
Source: EnergyVille.
Let's prepare the future...
Prioritizing the phase-out of nuclear rather than fossil fuels is a step backwards in the fight against climate change.
According to a recent study by Ember, Belgium will be the only European country to increase its dependence on fossil fuels over the next decade.
... using low-carbon energy
Nuclear energy was developed in Belgium in the 1970s to reduce our dependence on oil.
Today, nuclear power can play a similar role with gas and facilitate the transition to renewable energies.
What is the energy transition?
The need to decarbonize the entire economy
Electricity generation is only the tip of the iceberg. A successful energy transition will involve electrification and the elimination of fossil fuels in heat production and transportation.
Touch the images to learn more.
Electricity
Heat
Transport
With three energy vectors
Energy vectors are the means of transporting energy.
Electron
Vapor
Hydrogen
Using nuclear power to support renewable energies
Nuclear energy is low-carbon and is perfectly suited to the production of these three energy vectors.
Furthermore, it can be flexible and become the ideal partner for renewable energy in the energy transition.
Flexibility
To support the intermittency of renewable energies
Cogeneration
To decarbonize the industry
Abundance
To make up for the lack of renewable energy pools
Demystifying nuclear
In nuclear science, those who know the most are the least worried.Stewart Brand
For too long, the nuclear sector has suffered from caricatures and failed to respond to the doubts of the general public.
We are convinced that it is our responsibility as engineers to explain nuclear science transparently so that it can be understood by all.
Those who inspired us
Michael Shellenberger
Jean-Marc Jancovici
Arjen Lubach
Join Horizon 238
We are convinced that the younger generation has an important role to play in the energy transition.
You share our vision and want to make your voice heard too?
You want to contribute to the demystification of nuclear power in our society?
Contact us! We look forward to meeting you.