A look back at PALLAS Programme in 2025 

2025 was a pivotal year for the PALLAS Programme, in which we not only reached new milestones, but also laid the fundamental groundwork for the construction of the new PALLAS-reactor. In this annual review, we look back on the key developments, the challenges we overcame, and the impact PALLAS is beginning to have on the future. 

January was marked by coming together. NRG and PALLAS joined forces and became NRG PALLAS, the start of a strong collaboration, with the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport as shareholder. In the second month of 2025, we crossed the border to Mol, Belgium, for the Nuclear Awareness Day, organized by VDL KTI. The company is the supplier responsible for the delivery of the reactor and service pool, the heavy water tank and the decay tanks. During the day, collaboration and the crucial importance of nuclear technology, combined with safety and quality, were central themes.  

March and April focused on completing of the pit and foundation of the reactor building. In March, work was carried out on 790 tons of steel reinforcement, which was installed in layers in the construction pit. April was dedicated to pouring the foundation slab. The 1.5-metre-thick, 50 x 50-meter slab was poured in several phases.  

Just before the summer, it was time for a celebratory moment. In May, the official completion of the construction pit was celebrated, a great milestone on the path towards the realization of the PALLAS-reactor. BESIX, the contractor known for its expertise in technically complex projects, succeeded in seamlessly integrating engineering and construction, and delivered the construction pit according to the highest quality standards.  

After the completion of the construction pit, FCC organized the Suppliers’ Day in June. During this event, FCC, the main contractor for the reactor construction, welcomed potential national and international partners to provide them with insight into the procurement process and the supply chain. The event focused on collaboration and strengthening joint efforts to make the project a success.  

On July 1, outgoing Minister of Health, Welfare and Sport, Daniëlle Jansen, informed the House of Representatives that the PALLAS project can enter its next phase. After completing the construction site setup, the preparatory phase has been concluded.

During the summer holidays, we didn’t sit still either. On Fridays, we opened the doors of our visitor center for the fair in Petter, where we also welcomed visits by Probus and other associations. This month, we also carried out our Resident survey in the area surrounding Petten, receiving no fewer than 840 valuable responses, an impressive result that underscores our commitment to the local community. 

At the beginning of autumn, the official kick-off for the start of construction took place. The starting signal was given by Anita van den Ende, Secretary General of the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport. Following this official moment, the new construction staff office was delivered and jointly opened by Peter Dijk, Programme Director of PALLAS, the management of FCC and ICHOS (the reactor designer). This temporary office building provides space for personnel involved in the construction in Petten. Also in September, the first NRG PALLAS Knowledge Session took also place. During a series of evenings, various speakers shared their expertise with the audience, covering topics ranging from radiation protection, and application of medical isotopes to water usage. 

In October, we laced up our running shoes for the Zeezicht Run in Petten. As the main sponsor of the event, we are proud of the large turnout. After all, health doesn’t start at the hospital: it starts in our daily lives, with movement, vitality and a strong community. In November, we reached new heights. You may have already spotted our tower cranes along Westerduinweg. These three cranes are used for transporting materials from and to the construction pit, and for material management.

And that brings us back to December. Let’s celebrate the end of the year together! On December 29th, we warmly invite you to bid farewell to the old year in style at the charming former church in Petten. Between 15:00 and 17:00, we’ll be ready to welcome you with hot chocolate and delicious oliebollen. Join us and celebrate the end of the year with us in a cozy and relaxed atmosphere.