Netherlands to extend life of its only nuclear power plant, Borssele

The Netherlands plans to operate its only nuclear power plant beyond 2033, past the 60-year mark. In addition to the 515 MW Borssele plant, the country also plans to build two new nuclear units to help it meet its climate targets. The Netherlands plans to finance construction of the new facilities through a new state-owned company, NEO NL. Alongside conventional units, the country is also pursuing small modular reactors and hopes to draw on experience mainly through cooperation with the United Kingdom.

The Dutch government announced that it had submitted an amendment to the Nuclear Energy Act to the House of Representatives, allowing the Borssele nuclear power plant to remain in operation beyond 2033. The country’s only nuclear power plant, with a capacity of 515 MW (gross), began operating in October 1973. The new law will allow its operation to be extended beyond the 60-year mark, subject to an application to the nuclear regulator.

“Our country cannot survive without nuclear energy. With the proposed establishment of NEO NL and the continued operation of Borssele, we are now taking a historic step towards a future with reliable nuclear energy. I hope the next cabinet will continue along the path we have taken with the same energy and determination,” said Climate and Green Growth Minister Sophia Hermans.

The pressurised water reactor could generate electricity until 2054 if it meets safety requirements. Borssele currently accounts for around 3% of the country’s electricity generation. Nuclear power is part of the country’s climate and energy policy as a stable complement to renewable energy sources.

“This step will allow the Netherlands to use zero-emission energy for longer. The extension is in line with government policy, which does not rely solely on green energy sources such as offshore wind farms or solar panels, but is also fully committed to carbon-free and reliable nuclear power. This will ensure that our country can continue operating even when the sun is not shining and the wind is not blowing,” the government said in a press release.

Construction of new nuclear facilities

In addition to extending the operation of the Borssele plant, the Netherlands also plans to build two new conventional nuclear units. The Borssele plant currently appears to be the most suitable site for them, but no final decision has yet been made. The government plans to finance construction of the new units through a new wholly state-owned company, NEO NL (Nuclear Energy Organisation of the Netherlands).

“The company will sign a contract with a supplier and will also operate the new power plants. NEO NL will take the form of a ‘government participation’, with the Ministry of Climate and Green Growth as its sole shareholder. At least 45 million euros is now available to establish the company,” Hermans added.

The Dutch nuclear regulator has meanwhile confirmed that reactors from EDF, KHNP and Westinghouse meet safety requirements. In March this year, however, South Korea’s KHNP announced that it was not interested in building units in the Netherlands. The original plans envisaged the first new unit coming online by 2035, a target the country is unlikely to meet given the project’s progress.

This year, the Netherlands signed a cooperation agreement with the United Kingdom on nuclear energy to draw on expertise from the construction of new reactors in Britain. In addition to conventional nuclear units, the country has also allocated funding for research into small modular reactors.