Belgium and the Netherlands strengthen their nuclear cooperation
Belgium and the Netherlands have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to deepen cooperation on nuclear energy, with the aim of improving knowledge exchange, strengthening supply chains and supporting future nuclear development in both countries.
The agreement was signed during the fourth Belgium-Netherlands Nuclear Conference (BeNeNuc) in Brussels by Belgian Energy Minister Mathieu Bihet and Dutch State Secretary for Climate and Green Growth Jo-Annes de Bat.
Under the MoU, both countries will expand cooperation in research and development and hold regular meetings to intensify the exchange of expertise. The Netherlands is expected to benefit from Belgium’s industrial experience and operational know-how, given Belgium’s larger nuclear fleet. In turn, the Netherlands will share knowledge related to new-build projects and small modular reactors (SMRs), including site studies, licensing procedures and reactor components.
Both countries will expand cooperation in nuclear research and development
The two countries also plan to strengthen cooperation between companies and research organisations active in the nuclear sector through joint innovation missions and government-supported partnerships. Shared training initiatives are also being considered, as both nations anticipate the need for thousands of skilled workers for future nuclear projects.
In addition, Belgium and the Netherlands intend to collaborate on long-term solutions for the management, storage and disposal of radioactive waste.
They also intend to collaborate on long-term solutions for the management, storage and disposal of radioactive waste
Belgium's Energy Minister Mathieu Bihet said future European nuclear projects will require “solid value chains, high-level skills and close cooperation” between governments, research centres and industry. Mr. De Bat highlighted the importance of cooperation with neighbouring countries as the Netherlands seeks to increase the role of nuclear energy in its future energy mix.
