Belgium eyes annual nuclear power levy - paper

BRUSSELS, Sept 23 (Reuters) - Belgium could raise between 500 million euros ($740 million) and 1 billion per year by extending the life of its nuclear power stations, business daily De Tijd reported on Wednesday.

The money would come primarily from dominant electricity player Electrabel, the Belgian arm of French utility GDF Suez (GSZ.PA).

De Tijd said Energy Minister Paul Magnette would soon be submitting to the government a report that concludes Belgium cannot meet its energy needs without nuclear power.

The country plans to shut its three oldest reactors in 2015 and the remaining four by 2023.

Keeping them operating longer than planned would give GDF Suez a sizeable profit, part of which the government would want.

The report will conclude that Electrabel would gain 12 billion euros if the life of nuclear power stations were extended by 10 years, De Tijd said.

Last year, the Belgian government sought to charge Electrabel a nuclear levy of 250 million euros, which is now subject of a legal battle. It also has plans to charge it 500 million euros for this year.

Prime Minister Herman Van Rompuy has said a nuclear settlement will be part of the budget he was due to unveil on October 13. A government spokesman declined to comment further.

Electrabel operates the 2,839 megawatt Doel and 2,985 megawatt Tihange nuclear sites. Rival SPE, 51 percent-owned by British utility Centrica (CNA.L), has drawing rights. (Reporting by Philip Blenkinsop; Editing by Dan Lalor) ($1 = 0.6754 euro)