U. S. Offers $10 B to Power Belgium’s New Nuclear Plants

The U. S. is ready to fund half the cost of new nuclear reactors in Belgium, a move that could bring American technology and jobs to the European country. The offer comes from Bill White, the U. S. ambassador to Belgium who was chosen by former President Trump. White told a Belgian newspaper that Washington is willing to invest up to $10 billion in the project. The plan would use American companies Westinghouse and GE Vernova to supply reactors, engineering and expertise. President Trump has reportedly backed the deal personally. If permits are obtained quickly, a new reactor could be operational in five years – faster than many wind and solar projects that have faced delays and cost overruns. Belgium’s new government has already stopped plans to shut down its nuclear fleet and is looking to expand it instead. The country has moved away from the decades‑long push to abandon nuclear power in favor of renewables. The shift comes after years when the country was forced to buy expensive energy from Russia and other suppliers. Westinghouse’s AP1000 reactor is a Generation III+ design that relies on passive safety systems, meaning it can shut down safely without external power for more than 72 hours.The reactor has already been built in the U. S. , China and elsewhere, proving its reliability. GE Vernova’s BWRX‑300 is a small modular reactor that can be installed quickly and at lower cost. Both designs are considered proven technology rather than experimental concepts. The U. S. has a long history of cooperation with Belgium in nuclear matters, dating back to the early days of the atomic bomb. Belgium supplied much of the uranium used in the first U. S. nuclear weapons, and the relationship has continued for decades. The offer is framed as a way to give Europe energy security and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers. It also represents an opportunity for the U. S. to export technology and create jobs at home. Critics say the move could undermine Europe’s renewable energy goals and shift focus away from climate change solutions. Supporters argue that nuclear power provides reliable, low‑carbon electricity and can complement intermittent renewables. Overall, the proposal signals a new chapter in U. S. –Belgium cooperation and could reshape how Europe thinks about its energy future.