Maurits Wolleswinkel: ‘The Wennink report is inspiring: PALLAS presents major opportunities for the Netherlands’ ambitions’
The recently started construction of the new PALLAS reactor gives the Netherlands an excellent position to take the lead in knowledge development in nuclear energy (including SMRs) and the rapid advancements in (nuclear) medicine. The recommendations from the Wennink report on strengthening the Netherlands’ earning capacity and the construction of the reactor align seamlessly. There are significant opportunities for nuclear energy, nuclear medicine, and the North Holland North region. NRG PALLAS actively contributes to three of the five investment areas: life sciences & biotech, resilience, and energy.
NRG PALLAS CEO, Maurits Wolleswinkel: ‘We are seeing an increasing number of national and international partners coming to us for support with innovations in nuclear medicine and nuclear energy. With the reactor, our research facilities, and our people, we have a decades-long track record. Our nuclear expertise brings nuclear energy closer and offers significant opportunities for the development of nuclear medicines. From this perspective, the investment in the reactor has been a decision made with foresight”’
The nuclear projects Allseas and Thorizon are identified as so-called “flagships” in the report. Allseas is building an SMR for both onshore use and offshore on ships. Thorizon is developing a small modular molten salt reactor that uses nuclear waste as fuel. Both companies are carrying out these projects in collaboration with NRG PALLAS. "Innovative Dutch initiatives such as Allseas and Thorizon can, thanks to our research, take the steps toward the actual realization of their reactors. NRG PALLAS’ expertise is indispensable for the nuclear technology of the future," says Maurits Wolleswinkel.
With the construction of the PALLAS reactor, replacing the current High Flux Reactor (HFR), the production of medical isotopes for patients is secured, and Petten remains a leading hub in the pursuit of independent European production capacity and strategic autonomy. With over 60 years of experience, NRG PALLAS possesses essential knowledge and data, crucial for the safe and rapid construction of new nuclear power plants (including SMRs) and for accelerating both nuclear medicine and the energy transition.
The arrival of the new PALLAS reactor provides a strong boost to the economic development of the Noordkop region and the province of North Holland. At the Energy & Health Campus (EHC), which employs over 1,600 people, high-tech activities take place. The new reactor strengthens the innovation ecosystem and enhances the international appeal for high-quality companies in the life sciences sector.
Read the full press release here.
