Belgium’s Tractebel (part of French energy company Engie) and Dutch research and production organisation NRG PALLAS have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to cooperate in support nuclear newbuild in the Netherlands. The MOU was signed at the Embassy of Belgium in The Hague on the sidelines of the Belgium - Netherlands Nuclear Summit.
In December 2022, the Dutch Council of Ministers approved plans for construction of two new nuclear power units, each with a power of 1000-1650 MWe, with Borssele as the preferred location. The government said that, with an accelerated approach, construction could be completed in 2035, after which the plants would supply 9-13% of the total electricity.The cabinet is committed to Generation III + reactors, which are already in operation.
“I am convinced that cooperation is a key element in realising such an ambitious project, said NRG PALLAS CEO Bertholt Leeftink. “Tractebel has an excellent track record in the field of nuclear engineering. Together, with our competences in nuclear consultancy and our experience as a project management organisation, Tractebel and NRG PALLAS form a complete set of capabilities. From the initial feasibility study towards contract management and operational readiness Tractebel and NRG PALLAS possess a full capacity to facilitate the ambitious plan of the Dutch Government.”
Tractebel Chief Officer Global Nuclear Denis Dumont said: “Joining forces with major Dutch nuclear players will give our company the opportunity to contribute further to nuclear new-build initiatives in the country. We are convinced that summoning our multidisciplinary expertise with NRG PALLAS’ skills and extensive local market knowledge will be key to successfully delivering new nuclear projects in the Netherlands.”
Tractebel and NRG PALLAS are uniquely positioned to provide the required newbuild support. Tractebel has more than 60 years of experience in nuclear engineering and acts as Owner’s Engineer for the PALLAS research reactor. It has also contributed to the construction of NPPs in Sweden, the UK, South Africa and Brazil.
Image (L-R): Joost van den Broek, Director Consultancy & Services and Bertholt Leeftink, CEO, NRG PALLAS; Philippe Van Troeye, CEO, and Denis Dumont, Chief Global Nuclear Officer, Tractebel (courtesy of Tractebel)
