The 485 MWe (net) pressurised water reactor at Borssele – operated by EPZ – has been in operation since 1973 and accounts for about 3% of the country’s total electricity generation. It is scheduled to close in 2033, but the government has requested it remain in operation until 2054, if this can be done safely. The government has said it will consider acquiring a stake in the Borssele plant should a decision be made to extend its operation beyond 2033.
“The amendment to the law is an important step towards keeping the nuclear power plant operational longer,” the government said. “If the amendment is adopted, Borssele’s operator can apply to the independent regulator ANVS to keep the nuclear power plant operating beyond 2033. This will allow the Netherlands to continue consuming CO2-free energy for a longer period. The extension aligns with the government’s policy of not relying solely on green energy sources, such as offshore wind or solar panels, but also fully committing to CO2-free and reliable nuclear energy. This will ensure our country can keep running, even when the sun doesn’t shine and the wind doesn’t blow.”
In December 2021, the Netherlands’ new coalition government placed nuclear power at the heart of its climate and energy policy. In addition to keeping the Borssele plant in operation for longer, the government also called for the construction of new reactors. Based on preliminary plans, two new reactors will be completed around 2035 and each will have a capacity of 1000-1650 MWe. The two reactors would provide 9-13% of the country’s electricity production in 2035. The cabinet announced in December 2022 that it currently sees Borssele as the most suitable location for the construction of the new reactors. Three other locations are also being considered for the reactors: the Tweede Maasvlakte near Rotterdam, Terneuzen in Zeeland and Eemshaven in Groningen.
The government will establish a new state-owned company – the Nuclear Energy Organisation of the Netherlands (NEO NL) – for this purpose, Minister of Environment and Green Growth Sophie Hermans informed the House of Representatives. “This company will contract with the builder and will also operate the new plants. NEO NL will take the form of a ‘policy participation’, with the Ministry of Climate and Green Growth as the sole shareholder. At least EUR45 million (USD52 million) is available for its establishment,” she said.
The government is also taking steps to prepare the Netherlands for the possible deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs). It said it is allocating EUR20 million “to stimulate developments in the Netherlands”.
“In Europe, the United Kingdom is one of the frontrunners in this field,” it said. “The Netherlands and the UK have therefore joined forces and signed a cooperation agreement in July 2025, allowing the Netherlands to learn from the British.”
“Our country cannot survive without nuclear energy,” Hermans said. “With the proposed establishment of NEO NL and the continued operation of Borssele, we are now taking a historic step towards a future with reliable nuclear energy. I hope that the next cabinet will continue on the path we have embarked on with the same energy and dedication.”
