Belgium could run out of power for around 49 hours this winter, and in some cases for up to 116 hours, according to local media reports on Tuesday.

According to a report by transmission system operator Elia presented to the Belgian Secretary of State for Energy, there is a risk of power outages of around 49 hours between Nov. 1 and March 31.

This is based on the scenario of the country's three nuclear reactors, Doel 2, Doel 3 and Tihange not working simultaneously, and taking into account the current energy reserve of 850MW.

Secretary of State for Energy, Catherine Fonck, said that the government was hoping to avoid any power cuts.

"The calculations of Elia are not factoring in all sorts of measures that we are still working on," the minister was quoted as saying by De Tijd.

These measures include reducing lighting in public buildings and on highways.

She added that the Doel 4 nuclear reactor, currently out of action owing to suspected sabotage, may be operating again at the beginning of 2015.

"Statistically, the most difficult months are January and February. For this period, if Doel 4 restarts, we are left with an average risk of shortage of 5 hours, and not more than 49 hours," she said. Endit

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