Nuclear Safety
Safety is always the top priority at NRG PALLAS. From the design phase through to the final decommissioning of the reactor, we take measures at every stage to protect people, the environment, and the surrounding area. We adhere to the highest national and international standards for nuclear safety.
Regulations
All lessons learned in the nuclear field have been taken into account while designing the reactor. The reactor is resistant to potential external hazards, such as a plane crash or earthquakes. By complying with strict regulations from bodies such as the Dutch Authority for Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection (ANVS) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), we ensure safe operation—both now and in the future.
Safety of the reactor is monitored during its whole lifetime
The safety of the PALLAS-reactor is continuously monitored. At every phase, we take targeted measures:
- Design: Safety is an integral part of the design process from the very beginning.
- Construction: All components and systems are strictly inspected during construction.
- Commissioning: We thoroughly test every system before the reactor is put into operation.
- Operational Phase: During operation, we continuously monitor, evaluate, and improve.
- Decommissioning & Dismantling: Even after the reactor’s lifespan, safety and carefulness remain paramount.
Three fundamental safety functions
The reactor fulfills three crucial safety functions, each supported by multiple independent systems:
1. Control of reactivity
To keep the core reaction under control, the reactor is equipped with multiple layers of protection:
- First Shutdown System
- First Reactor Protection System
- Second Shutdown System
- Second Reactor Protection System
2. Cooling the nuclear materials
Continuous cooling of the fuel is essential to prevent overheating. Several systems are employed for this purpose:
- Primary Cooling System
- Pool Cooling System
- Service Pool
3. Enclosing the radioactive materials
To prevent the release of radioactive materials, the facility is equipped with multiple containment barriers:
- Fissile Material Cladding
- Reactor Building Ventilation System
- Nuclear Island Building
Control room: digital and future-oriented
The control room is the control core of the reactor. Here, operators monitor all systems and safely control the reactor. Unlike traditional mechanical control rooms with buttons and switches, the control room of the PALLAS-reactor is largely digital. This provides greater precision, overview, and control.
All functional requirements are compiled in Technical Regulations that are continuously coordinated with the Authority for Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection (ANVS). In addition, the latest international regulations from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) are checked regularly. This way, we continue to operate a reactor that is safe—and will remain so.
