Borssele preferred location for two new nuclear power plants | News item

News item | 09-12-2022 | 3:30 pm

The cabinet has designated Borssele as the preferred location for the arrival of two new nuclear power plants. The first preparations are started for the construction of two third-generation nuclear power plants. Based on preliminary insights, these will be completed around 2035 and each will have a capacity of 1000 to 1650 megawatts. The two reactors would thus provide 9 to 13 percent of electricity production in 2035. The cabinet is also preparing to extend the operating life of the existing nuclear power plant in Borssele, so that it can continue to operate safely after 2033.

Nuclear energy

In addition to the focus on wind and solar energy, among other things, the government has opted for nuclear energy because the Netherlands needs all clean energy sources to achieve the climate goals and to emit no more CO2 in the production of electricity by 2040 at the latest. In addition, nuclear energy is independent of weather conditions and thus contributes to a stable energy mix.

The existing nuclear power plant in Borssele produces about 3.8 terawatt hours (TWh) of electricity per year. Depending on the number of operating hours, the two new nuclear power plants will produce about 24 TWh of electricity annually. This means that the two new nuclear power plants together will provide 9 to 13 percent of electricity production in 2035.

Preferred location

The government currently sees Borssele as the most suitable location for the arrival of two new nuclear power plants and therefore regards the location in the Sloe area as a ‘preferred location’. There is sufficient space here for the arrival of new reactors and a great deal of relevant knowledge and (nuclear) infrastructure, such as the storage of nuclear waste. Building two reactors at one location is also more cost efficient. The government sees local support as an important condition in the choice of location and is therefore developing a participation plan to involve residents, organizations and businesses.

Two generation III+ reactors

The preparations are aimed at the construction of two generation III+ reactors. This is the most modern type of reactor with improvements in safety, operating time, fuel technology and efficiency. The first generation III+ reactors have now been commissioned in other countries. As a result, there is extensive international practical experience with the planning and financing of this technology. This makes the use of generation III+ reactors the fastest route to a contribution from nuclear energy to a stable, CO2-neutral and diverse energy system.

Next steps

The construction of new nuclear power stations requires comprehensive decision-making and careful consideration. During this term of office, the government aims to take a final decision on the location, technology, financing, the role of the government and the tender process. Various studies will be carried out for this, including into environmental effects for specific locations and possible financing models. Rotterdam is included as an alternative location in these procedures. The follow-up study also examines the consequences for the power grid of the arrival of new reactors, in addition to the arrival of other sustainable energy sources. By taking several steps in parallel, the process can be accelerated as much as possible. Just like other interested parties, residents, companies and fellow authorities from the area will have ample opportunity to participate. It is expected that the cabinet will not be able to make a final choice of location until the end of 2024 at the earliest.

Existing nuclear power station open longer

The current Nuclear Energy Act stipulates that the existing power plant in Borssele will remain in operation until 2033. The cabinet wants the existing nuclear power plant to remain in production for longer. The Authority for Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection (ANVS) will assess whether this is technically feasible and safe. By keeping the existing power station open, the cabinet prevents more electricity from having to be produced with fossil fuels due to closure and the Netherlands becoming more dependent on energy imports. In addition, the existing nuclear power plant contributes to the preservation of nuclear knowledge and research.

In order to be able to extend, the Nuclear Energy Act and the existing agreements with the shareholders of the power station must be amended. Technical studies are being carried out that will show how long and under what conditions the plant can remain open longer in a safe and responsible manner.

Minister Jetten for Climate and Energy: “Nuclear energy can make an important contribution to a reliable and CO2-free energy supply. Local support and preconditions for the arrival of new nuclear power plants are crucial in the choices we make. I therefore think it is important to continue to involve the environment of the possible locations in all future steps.”

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