News item | 17-10-2025 | 18:28
The government wants to keep the Borssele nuclear power plant open after 2033 and has therefore sent an amendment to the Nuclear Energy Act to the House of Representatives. Minister Hermans of Climate and Green Growth wrote this to the House of Representatives.
The change in the law is an important step to keep the nuclear power plant in operation for longer. If the change in law has been adopted, the Borssele operator can apply to the independent regulator ANVS to continue operating the nuclear power plant after 2033. So that the Netherlands can continue to purchase CO2-free energy for longer.
The extension is in line with the government’s policy not to rely solely on green energy sources, such as offshore wind or solar panels. But also by fully focusing on CO2-free and reliable nuclear energy. So that our country can keep going. Even when the sun doesn’t shine and the wind doesn’t blow.
That is why, in addition to Borssele, the government is also working on the construction of two new nuclear power stations and will set up a new state-owned company – Nuclear Energy Organization Netherlands (NEO NL) – which will conclude contracts with the builder and will also become the operator of the new power stations. NEO NL will take the form of a ‘policy participation’ with the Ministry of Climate and Green Growth as the sole shareholder. At least 45 million euros is available for its establishment.
Minister Hermans: “Our country cannot do without nuclear energy. With the proposed establishment of NEO NL and keeping Borssele open, we are now taking a historic step towards a future with reliable nuclear energy. I hope that a next cabinet will continue on the path we are now on with the same energy and dedication.”
In addition to the construction of two large nuclear power stations, the government is also taking steps to prepare our country for the possible arrival of small nuclear power stations, Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). The government is therefore allocating 20 million euros to boost developments in the Netherlands.
In Europe, the United Kingdom is one of the forerunners in this field. The Netherlands and the UK therefore joined forces and signed a cooperation agreement last July, so that our country can learn from the British.