The Netherlands paves the way for borssele to continue operating beyond 2033
The Dutch senate has approved an amendment to the Nuclear Energy Act that removes the 2033 operating limit for the Borssele nuclear power plant. The reform will allow its operator, EPZ, to apply for a new license to continue operating the plant, as long as it demonstrates that this can be done safely.
Under the legislation previously in force, Borssele nuclear power plant in the Netherlands was expected to cease operations at the end of 2033, and applications to extend its operation beyond that date could not be considered. However, the legislative amendment, approved by the House of Representatives on 16 June and endorsed by the Senate on 22 September, removes this obstacle.
Continued operation subject to safety requirements
The reform does not automatically authorise the plant to continue operating. EPZ, the energy company responsible for operating the plant, will be required to submit a new application together with the corresponding technical, environmental and safety studies. These will be assessed by the Dutch Authority for Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection (ANVS).
The comprehensive assessment of the Borssele nuclear power plant will seek to demonstrate that it can continue generating electricity safely and reliably beyond 2033. The analysis will cover the technical condition of the plant, potential safety improvements, the investments required and compliance with the applicable international standards.
EPZ expects to formally apply for an extension of the plant’s operating life in the summer of 2027. The Dutch Government has proposed that Borssele should remain in operation until 2054, provided that the regulatory authority certifies that it can continue to meet all safety requirements.
EPZ CEO Marco Muilenburg welcomed the Dutch Senate’s decision: “Now that this legal obstacle has been removed, we can proceed with preparations for the licence application. This will allow us to demonstrate that the nuclear power plant can continue contributing to the Dutch energy supply safely, reliably and responsibly in the future.”
The reform removes the 2033 legal limit and allows EPZ to request the continuation of Borssele, subject to compliance with the safety requirements
The State will acquire 70% of EPZ
One day after the Senate’s decision on Borssele, the Dutch Government announced an agreement to acquire the 70% stake in EPZ owned by ZEH Energy, a company whose shareholders include the Province of Zeeland and several municipalities in the region.The State will pay 115.7 million euros for the shares and provide a further 119 million to strengthen the company’s financial stability.
The transaction will require the approval of the Dutch Parliament and the current shareholders, namely the Province of Zeeland and its municipalities. The remaining 30% stake in EPZ will continue to be held by the German energy company RWE.
The Dutch state will acquire a 70% stake in EPZ, the operator of a power plant that supplies 3% of the Netherlands' electricity
Through the legislative reform and the agreement to acquire a majority stake in EPZ, the Dutch Government is reinforcing its objective of keeping Borssele in operation. With a net capacity of 485 MW, the plant supplies 3% of the electricity generated in the Netherlands. The final decision will depend on compliance with the safety requirements established by the nuclear regulator.
Source: EPZ
