Korea to begin feasibility study for nuclear construction in the Netherlands

Borssele nuclear power plant in Netherlands [Photo by Lee Jin-han]

Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co. (KHNP) will begin a technical feasibility study for the construction of a new nuclear power plant in the Netherlands starting in January. Its industry peers Westinghouse Electric Co. of the United States and Electricite de France SA (EDF) of France also plan to initiate studies for the project, intensifying the competition.

According to industry sources on Monday, KHNP will conduct a comprehensive review of a new nuclear power plant project in the Netherlands starting next month, which will involve an examination of elements ranging from design, site selection, and costs to construction duration and environmental impact.

The review is expected to take a minimum of six months, with the first results scheduled to be announced in the fall of next year.

The Netherlands is pushing forward with two new nuclear power plants in Borssele in Zeeland Province, with the goal of expanding nuclear power to cover about 9 to 13 percent of the country’s entire electricity demand, up from the current 3 percent.

The plan involves selecting a contractor through bidding in 2025 and completing construction by 2035, with a power generation capacity per unit ranging between 1,000 and 1,650 megawatts.

KHNP’s involvement in the Netherlands’ nuclear power project gained momentum following President Yoon Suk Yeol’s recent state visit to the Netherlands.

Earlier this month, Yoon met with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte to discuss strengthened cooperation in carbon-free energy, resulting in the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that outlines collaboration between companies and governments in the nuclear energy sector.

The Yoon administration aims to export 10 nuclear power plants by 2030. KHNP is also active in exploring the promotion of nuclear power exports to Europe.