Belgium will close 7 nuclear reactors by 2025

Belgium will shut down seven nuclear reactors by 2025 but will not close the door on new-generation nuclear technology, according to a deal reached Thursday by parties in the coalition government.

A government source said the all-night negotiations included an agreement of "investments of around 100 million euros ($ 1.1 million) on small modular reactors".

The seven-party coalition has wrestled for weeks on the topic, with the Greens adamant that a 2003 law setting out a nuclear exit be respected, while the French-speaking liberals favored keeping the two newest reactors open.

Belgium's two nuclear plants, with seven reactors in total, are operated by French utility Engie. After talks through the night, a core group of ministers have settled on a compromise whereby the last existing nuclear power plant will close in 2025, the broadcasters said.

However, Belgium will invest 100 million euros ($113.4 million) in research into future nuclear power, with emphasis on smaller modular reactors. Belgium still needs to establish how to make up for the energy shortfall, with gas-fired plants being an option. A decision on that may only be taken by March.