The Belgian government has announced the complete schedule for the forced closure of the country's nuclear power plants, claiming that the move will "create a favourable investment climate" to replace the 50% of domestic power supply that stands to be lost.

Nuclear plant operator Electrabel has reacted with dismay to a government announcement that two of the country's seven nuclear units will not get a previously promised ten-year licence extension.

Support for nuclear energy in the USA has increased slightly in the past five months, but still remains lower than pre-Fukushima levels, a new public opinion poll shows. Meanwhile, a survey in Belgium has found that while most people are in favour of nuclear energy, they want less of it.