Westinghouse Electric Company has been awarded a contract by the Dutch Government to conduct a technical feasibility study (TFS) concerning the deployment of two of its AP1000 reactors at the Borssele nuclear power plant site. The announcement comes as the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate launches a consultation on the site of the reactors.
Westinghouse is to continue the work of Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP). KHNP was awarded a contract in December to conduct a feasibility study into the construction of two Korean-supplied reactors at Borssele.
Michel Heijdra, director-general for climate and energy at the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate, signed the contract with Westinghouse with the company’s senior vice-president of energy systems commercial operations, Elias Gedeon.
“The TFS represents a significant step forward in the country's ambitious strategy to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, aligning with the European Union's climate goals and the Dutch commitment to carbon-neutral electricity production by 2035,” Westinghouse said.
The Netherlands is aiming to build two new nuclear power plants by 2035, each with a capacity of 1–1.65GW, based on preliminary plans. In December 2022, the nation’s cabinet decided Borssele would be the most suitable location for the plant.
David Durham, president of Westinghouse Energy Systems, said: “We are honoured to begin work with the Dutch Government on this preliminary yet crucial phase to deliver the world's most advanced, Generation III+ reactor technology. With our industry-leading, globally deployed AP1000 technology, Westinghouse is proud to support the Dutch Government and offer reliable, affordable, carbon-free electricity and economic benefits to the Netherlands for decades to come.”
The Dutch Government has also announced that its ‘proposal for participation’ in the construction of the two new reactors will open on 23 February.
“Companies, social organisations, local authorities and anyone who wants to do so can contribute ideas about the locations to be investigated and environmental effects for the construction of two new nuclear power stations,” it said.
