The Netherlands Cabinet of Ministers are planning to install two new nuclear power units in Borssele, RTL News has reported. The units must operate from 2035 at the latest and the government will contribute financially to their construction. Some €5 billion ($5.22bn) has been released for the first steps but the cabinet has not said exactly how much the government will ultimately contribute. The cabinet wants to opt for two generation III + reactors. The aim is for nuclear energy to account for 11-15% of the total supply of electricity from 2035.

Energy Minister Rob Jetten has already held talks with the province of Zeeland and has had discussions with private parties about financing. Jetten thinks the construction of the power plants believes the plants be completed around 2035. Borssele is the obvious preferred location, given that it already has a central station but the decision is not yet final. However, the province of Zeeland, where Borssele is located, had already indicated that it is open to the construction of the two new plants.

In the government coalition agreement, VVD, D66, CDA and ChristenUnie agreed that €5 billion will go to the construction of two plants Following the choice of location this year, Jetten hopes to decide on financing and construction in 2023.

Image: The Borssele nuclear power plant (courtesy of RTL)