KHNP to launch feasibility study for nuclear reactor construction in the Netherlands

Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) has been commissioned to prepare a feasibility study for the construction of two Korean reactors at the Borssele nuclear power plant site in the Netherlands. The contract follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the governments of South Korea and the Netherlands on cooperation in nuclear energy.

According to a statement by the Dutch government, KHNP will begin the feasibility study in January 2024. The study will examine whether the reactor design complies with Dutch laws and regulations, whether it can be sited at the preferred location near the existing Borssele nuclear power plant, and provide a more detailed estimate of the cost and construction time for two new units.

The study will also assess the potential environmental impact. It is expected to take at least six months to complete.

This is the first of three similar contracts, with agreements with US-based Westinghouse and France’s EDF “to follow soon”. The Dutch government also said that “these studies are necessary to determine whether it is technically feasible and safe to build new nuclear power plants at the preferred Borssele site.” Technical feasibility studies will then be assessed by an independent party. The first results are expected in autumn 2024.

Importance of nuclear energy for the Netherlands

The new Dutch coalition government put nuclear energy at the heart of its climate and energy policy in December 2021. According to preliminary plans, the two new reactors are expected to be completed around 2035, each with an installed capacity of 1000 to 1650 MWe. The two reactors would account for 9-13 % of electricity generation in the Netherlands in 2035. In December 2022, the cabinet announced that it currently considers Borssele the most suitable site for the construction of new reactors.

“Nuclear energy is helping us on the path to a carbon-neutral energy system. We are working hard to prepare for the construction of two new nuclear power plants. The three parties eligible to undertake this new construction will carry out technical feasibility studies next year. South Korean company KHNP is the first to get started. I am pleased that our French and American colleagues will soon also be able to begin work on these important milestones,” said Rob Jetten, Minister for Climate and Energy Policy.

Intergovernmental agreement on cooperation

The contract with KHNP was signed during a state visit to the Netherlands by South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol. During the visit, the two governments also signed a Memorandum of Cooperation in nuclear energy.

According to a joint statement by President Yoon and Prime Minister Mark Rutte, the two countries agreed to maintain and further develop bilateral cooperation in nuclear energy. Key areas of cooperation will include the construction and operation of nuclear power plants, workforce development, nuclear fuel, safety, and innovation in gigawatt-scale nuclear reactors, small modular reactors and other advanced nuclear reactors.