Market parties such as contractors, operators and suppliers are indeed willing to invest in the construction of new nuclear power plants in the Netherlands. According to outgoing State Secretary Yesilgöz-Zegerius of Economic Affairs, this is apparent from a report by the KPMG consultancy, which was drawn up on behalf of the Lower House.
In a letter to the House, Yesilgöz writes that the market parties do set the condition that the government makes construction financially profitable. Social support is also important.
Until now, the cabinet assumed that there was no enthusiasm for building a new nuclear power plant in our country, but Yesilgöz is now having a so-called scenario study drawn up. This should show how nuclear energy can play a role from 2030.
Renewable energy source
“We do not have the luxury of excluding a sustainable energy source,” says the state secretary. Nuclear power plants do not emit any CO2, which she believes can make an important contribution to achieving the climate targets.
The KPMG report shows that most companies would choose to build an existing model nuclear power plant with a Generation III reactor, Yesilgöz reports. It can be built within 11 to 15 years.
Several small nuclear power plants, so-called Small Modular Reactors, are also seen as an interesting option. However, they are not yet commercially available.
Zeeland positive
The province of Zeeland, where the only Dutch nuclear power station is located in Borssele, is positive about the construction of a new power station. It is also negotiable for North Brabant under certain conditions.
Borssele is nominated to close in 2033, but the cabinet is exploring the possibilities of keeping the power station, which dates from the early 1970s, open longer.
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