Zeeland and North Brabant are open to nuclear power plant | Inland

The enthusiasm is particularly high in the Zeeland municipality of Borssele, according to a report by KPMG. There is already a nuclear power plant on site to which the local population is accustomed and from which it is not affected. The Zeelanders also see a new nuclear power plant as an opportunity to maintain ‘high-quality local employment’ and to create new ones. In addition, there are no problems with connection to the network and cooling water.

There is also interest in North Brabant, but there are more question marks there. For example, about the local support for a nuclear power plant, but also about the possibilities for cooling water. In addition, it is a densely built-up province, which makes it more difficult to find a suitable location for a power station.

At the request of the House, KPMG has conducted a market consultation on nuclear energy. It was examined whether the provinces are interested in building a power station on their land, but also whether market parties, such as contractors, financiers or suppliers of nuclear technology, have enough enthusiasm for building a power station.

Financial pitfalls

The latter appears to be the case, but then the government will also have to make a contribution. For example, the market expects stable government policy towards nuclear energy. But the financial picture is especially important. Because building nuclear power stations is an expensive and risky business, parties want the government to provide guarantees to cushion the financial pitfalls.

The province of Zeeland is also looking at a possible new nuclear power plant through these glasses. The financial construction of the current power station in Borssele is experienced as ‘particularly unjust and undesirable’, write the researchers at KPMG. As far as the Zeelanders are concerned, this should be different with a possible new power station.

Potential government parties divided

In any case, the outgoing cabinet is opening the door to a future with nuclear energy. “We do not have the luxury of excluding a sustainable energy source,” said State Secretary Yesilgöz (Climate). “To achieve our climate goals, we will have to pull out all the stops, including nuclear energy if it is profitable and safe. That is why I also want to look at how we can maintain and strengthen the nuclear knowledge we have in the Netherlands. We have to keep all options open.”

Yesilgöz is not yet making decisions because of the caretaker state of the cabinet; that is up to the next cabinet and therefore the formation table. Opinions on nuclear energy are divided among the potential government parties. VVD and CDA are outspoken in favor and PvdA and GL outspoken against. D66 and CU prefer to look at sustainable alternatives, but do not rule out nuclear energy.

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