The federal government in Belgium has decided that the country's nuclear power plants will remain in use until 20225.

Until now, it was the intention that the seven plants would shut down in 2015. Energy Minister Paul Magnette has decided to postpone the closure for financial reasons and to guarantee energy supplies.

Belgium's nuclear power plants provide 55 percent of the country's electricity. In exchange for remaining active longer, the country's biggest energy companies will, from 2010 to 2014, pay the Belgian treasury between 215 and 245 million euros.

Photo of nuclear power plant in Doel, Belgium by Kris Taeleman (flickr)