Netherlands Advances Reactor Design Studies for New Nuclear Plants
The Nuclear Energy Organisation of the Netherlands (NEO NL) has commenced Front-End Engineering Design (FEED 1) studies with EDF and Westinghouse. These studies are a critical step in the procurement process for two new nuclear power plants planned for the country. The FEED 1 studies will be conducted in two phases, with the initial phase (FEED 1a) focusing on aspects independent of the final plant location. This approach allows for continued progress while the Dutch government finalizes the site selection process. The second phase (FEED 1b) will then address site-specific considerations once a draft Preferred Site Decision is made.
During these design studies, EDF and Westinghouse will evaluate how their reactor designs align with Dutch legislation and regulatory requirements. This includes assessing compliance with construction regulations, licensing requirements, technical standards, and the overall project schedule. The studies also aim to identify potential risks and key areas requiring attention early in the development process. The studies are projected to last between 12 and 18 months, with the exact duration dependent on the government's timeline for adopting a draft Preferred Site Decision.
NEO NL stated that the outcomes of these studies will form a foundation for the further preparation of the nuclear power stations. They will also help define the responsibilities of the future plant owner versus the technology supplier. A technology supplier decision will not be made during this phase; it will occur after the official tendering procedure is completed. The studies are intended to enable EDF and Westinghouse to develop well-substantiated proposals for the construction of the nuclear power plants, contributing to more predictable costs, reduced implementation risks, and a carefully managed procurement process.
These FEED 1 studies build upon earlier feasibility studies commissioned by the Ministry of Climate Policy and Green Growth. EDF, Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP), and Westinghouse were previously contracted to conduct these initial studies for their respective reactor designs—the EPR, APR-1400, and AP1000—in the Netherlands. The feasibility studies examined compliance with Dutch legislation, suitability for the Borssele location, and provided detailed cost and time estimates. Although KHNP later withdrew from the process, the Dutch nuclear regulator, the Authority for Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection, indicated that all three designs met necessary safety requirements. The current design studies represent a more detailed assessment against the full range of Dutch legislation and regulatory requirements.
The Netherlands currently operates one nuclear power reactor, a 482 MWe pressurized water reactor at Borssele, which has been connected to the grid since 1973 and generates approximately 3% of the country's electricity. In December 2021, the Dutch coalition government integrated nuclear power into its climate and energy policy, advocating for the construction of new reactors in addition to extending the operational life of the Borssele plant. Preliminary plans anticipate two new reactors, each with a capacity of 1000-1650 MWe, to be completed around 2035. These reactors are projected to supply 9-13% of the country's electricity production by that year. While Borssele is currently considered the most suitable location, three other sites—Tweede Maasvlakte, Terneuzen, and Eemshaven—are also under consideration, with a location selection expected next month. NEO NL, established in February, plays a central role in the preparation, construction, and operation of these new nuclear power plants in the Netherlands.