Belgium resumes talks with Engie on further nuclear reactor extensions, L'Echo reports

BRUSSELS, Feb 5 (Reuters) - The Belgian government has resumed talks with French utility Engie ENGIE.PA over potential further extensions of Belgium's nuclear reactors, Belgian newspaper L’Echo reported on Thursday.

After an initial meeting with Prime Minister Bart De Wever, another meeting is planned between Engie and Energy Minister Mathieu Bihet, according to the newspaper.

Engie declined to comment. The Belgian government did not immediately reply to requests for comment.

The government is exploring whether Doel 4 and Tihange 3, already set to operate 10 years longer under a previous deal, could be extended for up to 20 years, and whether other reactors could also remain online.

Tihange is a 1,038 megawatt (MW) reactor in eastern Belgium, while Doel is a 1,039 MW reactor near the port city of Antwerp. The reactors, which entered service in 1985, make up 35% of the country's nuclear energy capacity.