“The nuclear income will be several hundred million euros higher than in a normal year”Prime Minister Alexander De Croo said on Wednesday during the program “De Ochtend” (Radio 1 -VRT), in reaction to the high profits made by Electrabel.
Electrabel’s results in 2021 allowed it to send 1.24 billion euros in dividends to Engie – its parent company – write L’Echo and De Tijd in their Wednesday edition. According to Patrick Gaussent, its financial director, this is in line with the policy adopted by Electrabel, which assumes paying between 65 and 75% of recurring results to the parent company. The balance will be reinjected into Electrabel’s accounts “in order to enable Electrabel to pursue its investment programme”. “There is a mechanism, the nuclear rent, which guarantees this”reacted Alexander De Croo.
“In all the calculations we make, this year the nuclear income is much higher than last year. This will weigh on Electrabel’s profits. This is one of the sources of income for reducing VAT on energy and excise duties”said the Prime Minister. “In addition, Engie must set aside enough money to ensure that it can meet its obligations regarding the dismantling of the reactors. The operator must bear the full costs” recalled Alexander De Croo.
