Three drones have been spotted above the Doel nuclear power plant, according to energy operator Engie. The sightings have no impact on the plant's operations, Engie spokeswoman Hellen Smeets says. Belgium’s Crisis Centre has confirmed the report. ‘We are monitoring the situation,’ said a spokesperson.
Local police say they will not be making any further comments.
VRT News energy specialist Luc Pauwels insists: ‘There’s no nuclear danger’
‘Several people have seen three drones above the Doel nuclear power plant,’ explains energy specialist Luc Pauwels. ‘Drones are not allowed there; it is a no-fly zone.’
The flight ban was clearly violated, but there is no nuclear danger. ‘Our nuclear reactors can withstand aircraft crashes. The oldest nuclear reactor can withstand the impact of a small sports plane, and the other nuclear reactor is surrounded by two concrete buildings that can withstand the impact of a passenger plane such as a Boeing 737.’
In other words, we cannot assume that drones can damage the nuclear reactors – or even the buildings surrounding them – Pauwels emphasises.