Nuclear power in the Netherlands

In 1984, the government decided to create a long-term (100 years) storage facility for all intermediate and low-level radioactive waste and research strategies for ultimate disposal.

[5] In December 2021, the Fourth Rutte cabinet stated that it wants to prepare for the construction of two new nuclear power plants in order to reduce CO2 emissions and meet the European Union goals for tackling climate change.

[6] Part of this preparation is the launch of a feasibility study, looking at the advantages and disadvantages of the use of nuclear power to tackle climate change.

[7] In December 2022, the Fourth Rutte cabinet designated the existing Borssele nuclear power plant site as the preferred location for two new reactors.

A tender process is slated to begin by mid-2025 to select technology for the first two large reactors, potentially involving major global suppliers such as EDF, Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, and Westinghouse.

[10] In 2025, Minister of Environment Sophie Hermans announced that it was no longer feasible to choose the site for new nuclear that year, and it was unrealistic to have a reactor operational in 2035.

The plant produces approximately 4 billion kilowatt hours (kWh) of nuclear energy annually, providing enough electricity to power over 1 million homes.

Additionally, the Netherlands supplements its domestic nuclear energy production by importing electricity from neighboring countries, notably France and Germany.