Netherlands advances front-end engineering design for two new nuclear power plants

The Netherlands Nuclear Organization (NEO NL) has awarded contracts to Électricité de France (EDF) and Westinghouse Electric Company (Westinghouse) to conduct design studies for two proposed new nuclear power plants in the Netherlands. The work is seen as the next step in the construction preparation phase, with both companies set to launch the first phase of studies after the summer.

These design studies, internationally referred to as Front-End Engineering Design Phase 1 (FEED 1), will be implemented in two stages. The first stage, FEED 1a, is independent of specific plant site selection, allowing preparatory work to continue while the Dutch government advances its siting process.

The second stage, FEED 1b, will commence after the Dutch Cabinet issues its draft preferred site decision (oVKB). This stage will involve more targeted studies focused on the selected site. By proceeding in phases, all site-independent work can be carried out according to the established schedule.

Under the plan, EDF and Westinghouse will assess in their studies how their respective designs, based on mature Generation III+ reactor technologies, can meet Dutch legal and regulatory requirements. The assessment will cover building codes, licensing requirements, technical standards, and overall project scheduling, while also identifying potential risks and areas requiring focused attention at an early stage.

The study results will provide an important basis for the subsequent preparation of the two nuclear power plants and help clarify the division of responsibilities between future plant owners and technology suppliers. The studies are expected to take 12 to 18 months, depending on when the Dutch government approves the draft preferred site decision.

At this stage, the Netherlands has not yet selected a final technology supplier. The choice of technology supplier will be made following a formal tender process, which will be launched at a later stage.

These studies will also help EDF and Westinghouse submit more comprehensive proposals for the construction of the nuclear power plants, thereby improving cost predictability, reducing implementation risks, and supporting a more robust and prudently managed procurement process.

This round of design studies builds on previous feasibility studies, which primarily assessed whether the relevant reactor designs were suitable for deployment in the Netherlands. The new design studies will examine the designs in greater detail against the full set of Dutch legal and regulatory requirements.