Technology with a global impact At NRG PALLAS
We work every day on nuclear technology that has an impact on people worldwide. From medical isotopes for healthcare to knowledge and innovations for a sustainable energy supply. Our work directly touches on social themes such as health, climate, knowledge economy, innovation and energy security. I have been working at NRG PALLAS for almost eighteen years now, currently as Cluster Manager Decommissioning Services. Within the cluster, different teams work on the entire life cycle of nuclear installations: from design and safe operation to life extension, waste management and storage. Safety is central to this. For example, we carry out inspections of installations and our laboratory supports the safe operation of the High Flux Reactor in Petten. At the same time, we are working on future reactor designs that are smarter, more sustainable and more recyclable, creating as little waste as possible.
Dynamic playing field
The developments in the nuclear sector make my work particularly relevant. With the plans for new nuclear power plants, the possible arrival of Small Modular Reactors and the growing role of nuclear energy as a low-carbon energy source, the sector is in full swing. At the same time, dismantling and final disposal are also receiving increasing attention. With our knowledge, we contribute to a reliable and sustainable energy supply for now and the future.
Knowledge carrier
We are also building a new nuclear installation, the PALLAS reactor, for the first time in 60 years. A unique event. As the institute for applied nuclear research, NRG PALLAS plays an important role as a knowledge bearer of nuclear expertise in the Netherlands. To this end, we carry out projects with partners at home and abroad with the aim of keeping knowledge up to date and developing it further where necessary.
30.000 patients per day
It is precisely the combination of technology, social relevance and international dynamics that I find so interesting about this field. With the isotopes we produce in Petten, we help around 30,000 patients around the world every day with diagnosis and treatment. The new PALLAS reactor, which will replace the HFR in the future, ensures continued continuity in the supply of medical isotopes, which has a major impact on healthcare. The safe operation of a nuclear installation remains our point of attention; in both medical applications and research into nuclear techniques.
Future-proof
With the strong growth of the energy sector, it is important that nuclear knowledge is preserved. I myself supervise young professionals and ensure that the knowledge of experienced colleagues is transferred to new generations. At the same time, young colleagues bring fresh insights. Consider, for example, the possibilities of AI, which are also increasingly applicable in the nuclear sector. Especially in a sector that is fairly conservative by nature, the combination of experience and innovation helps to do things smarter and better. Working in the nuclear sector means contributing to solutions that matter to society. From sustainable energy and climate goals to better healthcare: the impact of the work is great. That is precisely why it remains a sector full of challenges, innovation and opportunities for the future.
