The Belgium government and French utility group and nuclear operator Engie have reached a deal on operating extensions for two nuclear reactors, Tihange-3 and Doel-4, for 10 years, according to the country's energy minister.

“The deal with Engie has been completed. We have extended the two nuclear power plants that could be extended,” Belgian energy minister Tinne Van der Straeten said on social media platform X on Sunday evening, adding that “political discussions will start tomorrow [4 December]”.

The legal texts will now have to be approved by the entire government and Belgium’s supreme administrative court before being sent to parliament and the European Union for approval, she added.