Companies are already making plans to build Dutch nuclear power plants

BAM Infra Nederland is preparing the construction of conventional nuclear reactors together with the Dutch nuclear development company ULC Energy and Rolls-Royce SMR. The companies are doing this in anticipation of the decision on nuclear reactors. “We want to be ready for what’s to come,” says Sander den Blanken, director of Business and Business Development at BAM Infra Netherlands.

‘Small module actions’ come from the factory and can be assembled on site. This makes it faster than traditional construction. Den Blanken: ‘Each reactor produces enough clean electricity for 1.4 million Dutch households and can be used to produce clean hydrogen.’

A small reactor

According to Den Blanken, the small scale has many advantages. ‘They can be built in modules, which has a positive impact on cost and construction time compared to larger reactors.’

According to him, cooperation and time did not come out of nowhere. ‘We have been working with Rolls-Royce SMR since 2016. About a year and a half ago we already saw that demand was increasing in the Dutch market.’

The new cabinet

This is also evident in the preparations for the House of Representatives elections. Outgoing Minister Jetten has already laid out plans for two large nuclear reactors. Are the companies not in front of the new cabinet? ‘Of course we have to see what the cabinet wants. But instead of two big ones you can also build six smaller ones.’

New energy mix

Nuclear power will be an ‘important part’ of the new energy mix. So there is a chance that the government will be involved in those projects. But Den Blanken also sees a market for energy-intensive parties that have serious energy issues.

Also listen | These new nuclear reactors are safer, more efficient and produce medical innovations

Financial details are not available at this time. Den Blanken says it is ‘too early’ to talk about this. “But of course we are looking for investors who can finance this whole process.”