Mammoet has supported the safe and efficient assembly, maintenance, and decommissioning of nuclear power facilities around the world for decades. It is also leading the way in modular construction techniques, which can dramatically reduce the time it takes to build a nuclear facility by enabling its largest building blocks to be fabricated off-site and then transported to location for just-in-time installation. ULC-Energy is working to deliver multiple small modular reactors (SMRs) in the Netherlands and Belgium.
“This new strategic partnership comes at a time when the Dutch government has expressed a commitment to nuclear power, as part of its climate strategy to deliver clean, reliable and affordable energy to homes and businesses,” Mammoet said.
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 government is also taking steps to prepare the Netherlands for the possible deployment of SMRs.
In August 2022, Rolls-Royce SMR signed an exclusive agreement with ULC-Energy to collaborate on the deployment of Rolls-Royce SMR power plants in the Netherlands. ULC-Energy – established in 2021 and based in Amsterdam – aims to accelerate decarbonisation in the Netherlands by developing nuclear energy projects that efficiently integrate with residential and industrial energy networks in the country.
The Rolls-Royce SMR is a 470 MWe design based on a small pressurised water reactor. It will provide consistent baseload generation for at least 60 years. Around 90% of the SMR will be built in factory conditions, limiting on-site activity primarily to assembly of pre-fabricated, pre-tested, modules which significantly reduces project risk and has the potential to drastically shorten build schedules.
“We believe nuclear power will play an important role in future low-carbon energy systems that will benefit homes, businesses, and the environment,” said Dirk Rabelink, CEO of ULC-Energy. “This new cooperation between Mammoet and ULC-Energy demonstrates that significant opportunities exist for Dutch supply-chain companies to support the development of new nuclear power facilities.”
Alex Scott, Global Sector Lead for Nuclear at Mammoet, added: “We are delighted to be putting in place steps to help the Netherlands deliver carbon-free energy as part of its commitment to nuclear. We look forward to benefitting from a partner in ULC-Energy that is familiar with Rolls-Royce technology, while supporting with early-stage strategy on how to build new nuclear plants with efficiency.”
