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Tihange Nuclear Power Plant

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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The Tihange Nuclear Power Plant, located on the banks of the Meuse river in the province of Liège, is one of Belgium's two major nuclear facilities for electricity generation. The plant consists of three pressurized water reactors with a total installed capacity of approximately 3,000 megawatts, making it a cornerstone of the national energy supply. Construction of the first unit, Tihange 1, began in the early 1970s, and commercial operation commenced in 1975. For decades, the plant has met a significant portion of Belgium's electricity demand and contributed to the stability of the power grid in Western Europe. In recent years, Tihange has often been at the center of public attention due to political decisions regarding the nuclear phase-out and technical debates. While Reactor 2 was permanently shut down in February 2023, discussions regarding the life extension of the other units continue to ensure security of supply. The power plant utilizes water from the Meuse for cooling and serves as a major local employer in the Huy region.

Location: Belgium
Top sights: Château de Tihange · Musée de la Via Tihangeoisse · Église Sainte-Gertrude
Nearby: Andenne (13 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	1	2	5	9	12	16	18	18	14	10	5	2
Rain mm	81	72	67	48	70	72	77	87	60	66	75	87

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?

The Tihange Nuclear Power Plant on the Meuse River is one of Belgium's largest electricity producers. It covers a significant portion of the national energy demand and is a key part of the Belgian energy infrastructure.

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Visiting

The plant is closed to the public for security reasons. However, there is a visitor center that, with prior registration, provides information about nuclear energy.

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Where to view it

From the surrounding hills and the opposite bank of the Meuse, you get a good view of the characteristic cooling towers. The bridge at Amay also provides a wide perspective on the plant.

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Local products

The plant produces solely electrical energy. High-voltage lines and substations are visible in the area, feeding the electricity into the grid.

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Active season

The plant typically runs continuously, interrupted by planned refueling and maintenance outages. The general operating period is year-round.

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Nearby

A visit to the plant can be combined with exploring the Meuse Valley and the fortified town of Huy. The Citadel of Huy also provides a spectacular view of the region.

Geography

Coordinates

50.53400, 5.27200

Facts

The facility consists of a total of three reactor units (Tihange 1, 2, and 3).
The first reactor unit was officially commissioned in the year 1975.
The total installed capacity of the plant is approximately 3,008 megawatts.
Reactor 2 was permanently disconnected from the grid on January 31, 2023.
The plant has met up to 25% of Belgium's total electricity demand at times.
Water from the adjacent Meuse river is used for the cooling of the reactors.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Abbey of Flône3 km · EExplore →

Citadel of Huy3 km · SWExplore →

Castle of Jehay6 km · NEExplore →

Castle of Modave (gardens)7 km · SExplore →

Modave Castle10 km · SExplore →

Abbey of Grandpré11 km · NWExplore →

Andenne13 km · WExplore →

Burdinale-Mehaigne Natural Park14 km · WExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Tihange Nuclear Power Plant (10)

Château de Tihange🏰 castle

Castle in Tihange, Belgium, historic building near the nuclear power plant.

🌐 wikihuy.be

Musée de la Via Tihangeoisse 🏛 museum

Museum in Tihange, Belgium, showcasing local history and culture.

Église Sainte-Gertrude

Church in Neuville-sous-Huy, Belgium, dedicated to Saint Gertrude.

Château de la Neuville🏰 castle

Castle in Neuville-sous-Huy, Belgium, surrounded by a park.

Ancien équipement industriel

Old industrial equipment in Tihange, Belgium, relic of industrial history.

Camion Dumper

Large dump truck in Tihange, Belgium, exhibited as an industrial monument.

Église Sainte-Marguerite

Church in Tihange, Belgium, dedicated to Saint Margaret.

Château-ferme d'Ampsin🏰 castle

Vast quadrilateral farmstead in Ampsin, Belgium, former castle estate.

Musée du Cycle🏛 museum

Museum in Tihange, Belgium, dedicated to the history of the bicycle.

Les Maitres du Feu🏛 museum

Museum in Tihange, Belgium, showcasing art and craftsmanship around fire.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Tihange nuclear plant located?

It is located near the town of Huy, directly on the banks of the Meuse in the province of Liège.

Is the power plant open to visitors?

No, public visits to the indoor areas are not possible for security reasons.

How many cooling towers does Tihange have?

The facility has three prominent cooling towers that dominate the landscape near Huy.

When was Tihange commissioned?

The first reactor began operation in 1975.

What can you do nearby?

You can visit the characterful town of Huy, known for its citadel and cathedral.

Tihange Nuclear Power Plant: where is it located?

Tihange Nuclear Power Plant is located in Belgium.

Tihange Nuclear Power Plant: what is there to see?

Highlights include Château de Tihange, Musée de la Via Tihangeoisse, Église Sainte-Gertrude.

Tihange Nuclear Power Plant: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Tihange Nuclear Power Plant: why is it worth visiting?

The Tihange Nuclear Power Plant, located on the banks of the Meuse river in the province of Liège, is one of Belgium's two major nuclear facilities for electricity generation.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →

Tihange Nuclear Power Plant

Best time to visit & climate