The Netherlands benefits from the experiences gained with the PALLAS-reactor for the construction of nuclear power plants

Today, Minister Jan Anthonie Bruijn, Minister of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS), and Minister Sophie Hermans of the Ministry of Climate and Green Growth (KGG) received the report ‘Building on experience’. The report by research agency SEO shows that the experience gained with the PALLAS Programme is of great added value for the construction of new nuclear power plants in the Netherlands. With a potential time saving of around 1 to 3 years in construction, the financial benefits are between 1 and 6 billion euros. 

Maurits Wolleswinkel, CEO NRG PALLAS: “With PALLAS, the Netherlands has been able to gain unique knowledge about what realization of a large-scale nuclear project practically entails. Research agency SEO was asked whether it would be worthwhile to proactively retain this knowledge and manpower once the programme has completed all the various project phases. The study confirms that the realization of the PALLAS-reactor represents important pioneering work that could be of great value for the construction of new nuclear power plants. If the Netherlands retains this knowledge and uses it efficiently, its nuclear ambitions can be realized more quickly and at lower cost."

The Dutch government is preparing to build two new nuclear power plants and is exploring the possibility of building two more. This task is taking place in an international context in which large-scale nuclear power plant construction projects often face delays and cost overruns. Delays usually occur in the phase prior to the start of construction (permitting, design, contracting, and planning) because that is when the design principles are established. Against this backdrop, research agency SEO investigated the value of the PALLAS Programme for the construction of future Dutch nuclear power plants.

The construction of a new research reactor for the production of medical isotopes and nuclear research is an interesting case because it is the first large-scale nuclear project in the Netherlands since the 1970s. With PALLAS, the Netherlands has once again built up practical knowledge in the areas of quality standards, safety, and supply chain qualification. The position of the ANVS regulatory authority has been strengthened with up-to-date expertise and experience.

The report shows that the knowledge gained mainly results in risk reduction due to a lower chance of redesigns and fewer issues with suppliers or regulators, thereby reducing the risk of delays. The learning effects ensure that this type of project can be operated more quickly and predictably. PALLAS also contributes to strengthening the ecosystem by enabling a new generation of professionals to gain experience and suppliers to invest in knowledge in order to meet nuclear quality standards. 

The scenario analysis shows that, thanks to the learning effects, new nuclear power plants can be commissioned 1 to 3 years earlier and fewer delays are to be expected during the construction phase. One year less delay yields a return of €0.36 to €1.45 billion. With three years of time saved, the total financial benefits can amount to €2.94 to €6.33 billion.

Prof. Dr. Erik Brouwer, SEO: “Interviews and studies show that the PALLAS Programme can deliver significant time and cost savings in the construction of new nuclear power plants. With NRG PALLAS, the Netherlands now has an organisation with recent experience in construction and licensing processes.”

The learning effect of PALLAS is not yet complete. Much of the project experience is gained in the final stages of realization, during commissioning, and in the initial period of operation. It is essential to actively retain the knowledge and expertise that has been built up and to make it transferable.

The report confirms that the investment made by the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS) goes beyond the domain of public health and is of great value to the Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment's important social mission to achieve a sustainable and reliable energy supply. Intensive cooperation between the ministries and use of this report will ensure that the knowledge and experience is retained for the Netherlands and utilized to the maximum extent possible.

-The English link to the SEO report will follow shortly-