Netherlands heavy lifting and transport specialist Mammoet and nuclear development company ULC-Energy have signed a cooperation agreement to streamline the construction of new nuclear power facilities in the Netherlands. The partnership will support the Netherlands’ climate strategy through efficient nuclear power plant construction.
The Netherlands government in 2021 agreed to extend the operating life of the Borssele NPP and also approved the construction of new reactors. Based on preliminary plans, two new reactors, each with a capacity of 1000-1650 MWe, will be completed around 2035 while initial steps are being taken to prepare for the possible deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs). In 2022, Rolls-Royce SMR signed an agreement with ULC-Energy to collaborate on the deployment of Rolls-Royce SMR plants in the Netherlands. The Rolls-Royce SMR is a 470 MWe design based on a small pressurised water reactor.
Mammoet, which supported the assembly, maintenance, and decommissioning of nuclear power facilities around the world for decades, is also leading the way in modular construction techniques. These 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.
“We believe nuclear power will play an important role in future low-carbon energy systems that will benefit homes, businesses, and the environment,” said ULC-Energy CEO Dirk Rabelink. “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, noted: “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.”
