Belgium’s lower house of parliament has agreed to give the country’s nuclear phaseout law an “urgent procedure” status, paving the way for a final deal extending the operational life of the Tihange-3 and Doel-4 nuclear power units.

According to Reuters, a spokesperson for energy minister Tinne van der Straeten confirmed the development on Friday (1 March) following a report from Belga news agency.

This means that the energy committee could discuss Van der Straeten's bill as soon as 12 March, the spokesperson added.

In December, government and French utility group and nuclear operator Engie reached an agreement on operating extensions for Tihange-3 and Doel-4 for 10 years.