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The Dutch Council of Ministers has approved plans for construction of two new nuclear power units, each with a power of 1000-1650MWe, with Borssele in the Netherlands as the preferred location. The decision was taken after extensive preparation, including consultation with the province of Zeeland and municipalities. The government believes that, with an accelerated approach, construction can be completed in 2035, after which the power stations can supply 9-13% of the total electricity.

The choice of Borssele excludes the other potential locations. Eemshaven is permanently excluded while Maasvlakte is reserved primarily for hydrogen installations. Minister for Climate and Energy Rob Jetten said Maasvlakte (Rotterdam) is still seen as a "reasonable alternative" on the basis of environmental requirements, but has many disadvantages in other areas.

The cabinet is committed to Generation III + reactors, which are already in operation which minimises the development risk, Jetten noted, adding that these plants can be load following and so fit well with solar and wind energy.

The accelerated approach consists of different processes that can begin at the same time. This includes making selecting suppliers, environmental investigations, waste storage considerations and financing. The construction period is expected to last 6-8 years. A spokesperson for Jetten noted that, while Russia and China build most of the nuclear reactors in the world and therefore have the most experience, "It is a current policy that these companies will not receive tenders for nuclear infrastructure." The cabinet considers that the security risk is too great given sanctions applied to those two states. Therefore, three other countries with Generation III + reactor experience are being considered - France, the USA and South Korea.

Borssele was chosen because it already hosts a NPP. The single-unit pressurised water reactor accounts for about 3% of the country's electricity production. Borssele, which started operating in 1973, is currently licensed to operate until 2033. However, Jetten has issued a letter of intent or its continued operation. The Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Authority (ANVS) will assess whether this is technically feasible and safe. By keeping the existing power plant open, the cabinet prevents more electricity from being produced by closing with fossil fuels and the Netherlands becoming more dependent on the import of energy. In addition, the existing nuclear power plant contributes to the preservation of nuclear knowledge and research.

The cabinet considers it impossible that suppliers would want to finance the plants and so the government will take part as a co-investor from the start. Suppliers have made it clear that the government must provide public support and stable government policy. Officials have paid working visits to other countries with nuclear power plants such as Finland, France, the Czech Republic and the UK. Jetten has also conducted research in the US, South Korea, Poland, France and Finland, and discussions have been held with international organisations such as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

The cabinet has reserved an "indicative budget" of €5 billion ($5.34bn) for the plants. Jetten said he hopes to minimise the chance of postponement or budget overrun by thorough preparation. One of the common risks is that politics changes its opinion on nuclear energy and may tighten the requirements. Jetten therefore wants to look for broad support in the Chamber "so that it can survive longer than one cabinet period," he said.

The cabinet is still positive about the idea of small modular reactors (SMRs) but is not in a hurry. Although these are probably cheaper and faster to build, the cabinet does not want to be one of the first to test this new technology. The option remains open for the future and will therefore be investigated.

Image: The Borssele nuclear site

Date: Friday, 16 December 2022
Original article: neimagazine.com/news/newsbelgium-confirms-borssele-as-site-for-new-nuclear-plants-10439145