Collaborating with nature
How PALLAS builds with care for people and the environment.
The construction of the new PALLAS-reactor in Petten is taking place at a special location. This requires more than just technical expertise. Within the PALLAS programme, one guiding principle is therefore central: building with respect for nature. From the very first plans, there has been close collaboration with ecologists and environmental specialists. They ensure that the impact on flora and fauna is minimized, and that the natural values are preserved and strengthened where possible.
Ecology as an integral part of the project
Ecologists play an essential role during the execution of the project. They precisely map the plants and animals present and advise on how activities can be carried out safely and responsibly.
Ecologists Mathijs and Ewoud from Kwinfra, a consultancy firm specializing in environment and ecology: “We advise on how activities can be carried out with as little damage to nature as possible.”
In practice this means that measures are taken such as installing wildlife barriers, checking for nests before activities begin, and adjusting schedules to factors like the breeding season. Sometimes the activities are even temporarily halted to avoid disturbing animals, for example during the construction of the LDA for the sand martin. This approach creates a continuous interplay between construction activities and nature conservation.
A unique location calls for a tailored approach
The surroundings of the Energy & Health Campus in Petten are unique due to the combination of dunes, coastline, and the polder landscape behind them. Precisely because parts of the site have limited access, nature has had the chance to flourish here. This makes the area ecologically valuable, but also complex to work in.
That is why we focus not only on protection, but also on smart integration throughout all project phases. In the design of the reactor and the campus, attention has been paid not only to environmental impact but also to the landscape, so that the natural character of the dunes is preserved and the buildings blend into it. The reactor, like the current HFR, will for example be built partly underground. For the exterior of the building, we are using a specific type of cladding that changes tone with the surroundings, allowing the reactor to blend into the area as much as possible.
The role of the Stakeholder Engagement Manager
In addition to ecological expertise, stakeholder engagement also plays a crucial role. Marieke Klaver, Stakeholder Engagement Manager within the PALLAS Programme, acts as the connecting link between the project, the surrounding area and its stakeholders. She ensures that local residents, authorities and other parties involved remain well informed and that their concerns are taken seriously.
According to Marieke, it all comes down to trust and transparency: “Do what you say and say what you do.” Especially in a complex project where various interests come together—from nature and safety to energy and healthcare—that open attitude is essential.
Balance between technique and nature
The PALLAS project demonstrates that large‑scale infrastructure and nature conservation do not have to be at odds with one another. By collaborating with ecologists from the very beginning, continuously monitoring the measures in place, and actively involving the surrounding community, an approach emerges in which nature is given a full and rightful place.
