Dutch utility DELTA and France’s EDF have signed a memorandum of understanding to examine the feasibility of a second nuclear plant at Borssele, in the Netherlands.
Over the coming period under the partnership established by the MOU, DELTA and EDF will together explore the appropriate contractual structure to incorporate a Joint Development Company (JDC) which may be established at a later stage for the development of the project. In the future, should EDF and DELTA choose to further develop the project, they will probably decide to invite third parties to act as potential investors and off-takers, EDF said in a press release.
DELTA took the first step in the permit application process for a nuclear power plant in June 2009 by submitting a project brief to the Dutch Ministry of Housing, Spatial Planning and the Environment. In November 2009, an open tendering procedure was started for suppliers for the construction of the nuclear power plant. In May 2010, DELTA took out an option on the land that would be needed for the construction. The guidelines for the Environmental Impact Report were made known in July 2010. DELTA started the EIR surveys. In October 2010, the new Rutte/Verhagen government coalition agreement said that new nuclear power plants may be built.
Peter Boerma, DELTA NV CEO said : “I am very glad to take this important step with the French company EDF , which is a highly experienced owner and operator of nuclear power plants. It is important for a project of this scope not just to find a partner that is experienced in building, running and managing nuclear power plants, but also to find a good match. EDF and DELTA have achieved very close and successful cooperation as equal partner for building and operating the 900 MW gas-fired power plant of SLOE…” which opened in February 2010.
EDF increased its 51% shareholding of the second-largest Dutch utility SPE in June 2010 to 63%.
Marc Boudier, EDF Executive Vice President Head of Europe said : “Further to the successful collaboration with Delta on the SLOE plant in Zeeland and the recent acquisition of a majority stake in SPE in Belgium, EDF now enjoys a stronger presence in the Benelux region, an area of major interest in the heart of Europe which constitutes a highly significant hub for energy exchange”.