Nuclear energy in the Netherlands: history and prospects

The Netherlands is a Western European country that has long relied on fossil fuels to meet its energy needs. However, in response to environmental challenges and the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the country has gradually diversified its energy mix. In 2020, electricity generation in the Netherlands came mainly from natural gas (42.5%), renewable energies (29.1%), coal (14.8%) and nuclear power (3.2%) [1].

In the Netherlands, nuclear power has played a relatively limited role in the energy mix, with the Borssele nuclear power plant the only facility in operation. However, in the face of energy and climate challenges, the country is once again exploring nuclear power as a viable option for diversifying its energy sources, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and ensuring energy security. Future projects could include the construction of new reactors, particularly small-scale and modular reactors, as well as international cooperation in the development of innovative nuclear technologies.

The Netherlands has demonstrated its commitment to developing new nuclear technologies by participating in international initiatives and research programs. With the right political will and investment, nuclear power could play a growing role in the country’s future energy mix, contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly energy transition.

History of nuclear power generation in the Netherlands

The history of nuclear power in the Netherlands dates back to 1969, with the construction of the Dodewaard nuclear power plant, which was commissioned in 1969 and closed in 1997 [2]. The Borssele nuclear power plant, built in 1973 and still in operation, is the only nuclear power plant in operation in the Netherlands [3]. Although nuclear power generation in the Netherlands has been limited

has been limited, the country has always recognized the importance of nuclear power as a low-carbon energy source. Over the years, several projects to build new nuclear power plants have been considered, but most of them have come to nothing due to environmental concerns, high costs or changing energy policies.

Nuclear reactor technologies used in the Netherlands

The Borssele nuclear power plant is equipped with a pressurized water reactor (PWR) with a capacity of 485 MWe [4]. PWRs are the most commonly used nuclear reactors in the world, using ordinary water as moderator and coolant, and enriched uranium as fuel. The Borssele plant was originally scheduled to operate until 2003, but its lifespan has been extended to 2033 following safety improvements and investment in plant modernization [5].

Innovative power plant and reactor projects

Although the Netherlands is not currently engaged in building new nuclear power plants, the Dutch government has recently shown renewed interest in nuclear power as a potential solution to the country’s energy and climate challenges. In 2020, the government commissioned a study to assess the role nuclear power could play in the country’s future energy mix [6]. The study concluded that nuclear power could be a viable option for diversifying energy sources, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and ensuring energy security.

The Netherlands is also interested in innovative nuclear reactor technologies, including small modular reactors (SMRs) and molten salt reactors (MSRs). SMRs are small reactors (generally under 300MWe) with potential advantages in terms of safety, flexibility and lower construction costs. MSRs, on the other hand, use molten salts as a cooling and containment medium for fission products, offering advantages in terms of safety, waste management and energy efficiency.

The Netherlands participates in international initiatives and research programs aimed at developing these innovative technologies. For example, the country is a member of the Generation IV International Forum, a multilateral initiative aimed at developing advanced nuclear reactors for the 21st century [7]. Forum members collaborate on the research and development of safer, more efficient and sustainable nuclear technologies, including SMRs and MSRs.

List of nuclear reactors in the Netherlands

Countries producing nuclear power

References

[1] Centraal Bureau voor de Statistiek (CBS). (2021). Electricity production; type of electricity, type of producer. Retrieved from https://opendata.cbs.nl/statline/#/CBS/en/dataset/83140ENG/table?ts=1648220624703

[2] World Nuclear Association. (2021). Nuclear Power in the Netherlands. Retrieved from https://www.world-nuclear.org/information-library/country-profiles/countries-g-n/netherlands.aspx

[3] EPZ. (n.d.). Borssele Nuclear Power Station. Retrieved from https://www.epz.nl/en/about-epz/nuclear-power-station-borssele

[4] International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). (2021). PRIS – Netherlands. Retrieved from https://pris.iaea.org/PRIS/CountryStatistics/CountryDetails.aspx?current=NL

[5] EPZ. (2013). Lifetime extension Borssele nuclear power plant. Retrieved from https://www.epz.nl/en/news/2013/lifetime-extension-borssele-nuclear-power-plant

[6] Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy (2020). Kabinetsvisie kernenergie. Retrieved from https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/documenten/kamerstukken/2020/09/25/kabinetsvisie-kernenergie

[7] Generation IV International Forum (GIF). (n.d.). Members. Retrieved from https://www.gen-4.org/gif/jcms/c_9260/public/members