News item | 13-12-2023 | 17:18
The first technical feasibility studies into the construction of two new nuclear power stations in the Netherlands will start in January. The first of the three contracts was signed with the company today KHNP from South Korea and focuses on the technical feasibility of the construction of 2 nuclear power stations in Borssele. The contracts will follow soon Westinghouse from the United States and EDF from France. All three companies have experience in building generation III+ reactors with a minimum capacity of 1000 MW. These studies are necessary to determine whether it is technically possible and safe to build new nuclear power stations at the preferred location in Borssele, the EPZ sites.
The studies are carried out individually by the three companies and consist of a number of components: whether the design complies with Dutch legislation and regulations, whether it can be fitted into the preferred location in Borssele and a more detailed estimate of the costs and time required to to build two new nuclear power plants. The possible impact on the environment is also highlighted in the studies. These studies therefore provide important information for decision-making about nuclear energy in the Netherlands. The studies last at least six months. An independent party will then evaluate the technical feasibility studies. The first results are expected to be shared in the autumn of 2024.
Partnership between South Korea and the Netherlands
In addition, the South Korean and Dutch governments today signed a cooperation agreement (‘Memorandum of Understanding’) in the field of nuclear energy. This agreement includes agreements on further cooperation in the areas of knowledge development, research, innovation, nuclear value chain and radioactive waste. This contributes to the development of nuclear energy in the Netherlands and offers opportunities for companies and knowledge institutions active in this field.
Minister Jetten for Climate and Energy: “Nuclear energy helps us on our way to CO22-free energy system. That is why we are busy preparing for the arrival of two new nuclear power stations. The three parties that are eligible for this new construction will carry out technical feasibility studies in the coming year. The South Korean builder KHNP is now the first to start. We have had good discussions with this company and my South Korean colleagues recently. And I am pleased that our French and American colleagues will soon be able to get to work too. An important milestone.”