The construction of two future nuclear power stations is experiencing a delay of an unknown duration. This is because the Ministry of Climate and Green Growth has to investigate more possible locations for the nuclear power plants than previously thought. The ministry confirms this NRC.
For the two new nuclear power plants, which are intended to be stable, CO2-free energy source in addition to solar and wind energy, the previous cabinet had designated Borssele in Zeeland as a preferred location. Three international construction companies have already investigated whether they can realize the power stations in Borssele. The results are currently being verified by an independent agency. The alternative, the Maasvlakte, is still formally in the picture.
In recent months, other studies and consultation rounds have identified three additional locations that the government must also investigate further. It’s about Terneuzen, the Second Maasvlakte and the Groningen Eemshaven.
These further investigations take time. The time at which the cabinet wanted to choose a location – the second quarter of next year – is therefore “no longer feasible”, says a spokesperson for Minister Sophie Hermans (VVD). He “does not dare to say” whether the decision will still be made in 2025. Only after the location decision has been made can the ministry proceed, for example with the tender procedure.
Legal way out
The government is trying to avoid the obligation for further investigation for the Eemshaven. This is because the province and the municipality of Het Hogeland, which includes Eemshaven, are strongly against it. They do not want new social unrest after the years of earthquake damage caused by gas extraction.
In principle, by law all reasonable alternatives must be seriously investigated, otherwise a final location decision will not be legally valid. In any case, further research will have to be done for Terneuzen and the Second Maasvlakte.
The outcome of the ‘feasibility studies’ conducted by the three builders in Borssele is expected to be announced early next year, together with an exploration among market parties such as energy companies, banks and pension funds into their willingness to invest in the power stations. If the builders also have to conduct feasibility studies to other locations, the government believes that a “large part” of the work can be duplicated from the Borssels studies.
The ministry has already announced that Borssele has “spatial challenges”. The municipality has as condition states that the two new power stations, which are to be located next to the existing nuclear power station from 1973, may not fall outside the Sloe port area. The ministry has not yet responded substantively to this.
The intention is that the two new power stations will each have a capacity of up to 1,600 megawatts, more than three times as much as the existing power station in Borssele. In addition to these two power stations, the government wants to build two more large power stations later. The five nuclear power stations must provide a constant source of energy, especially because solar and wind energy will not always be available.
The government is also investigating the possibilities of small nuclear power plants, so-called small modular reactorswhich can, for example, meet the energy needs of a specific industrial area.
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