The Netherlands and Belgium have officially confirmed the strengthening of their cooperation in the field of nuclear energy. This collaboration is intended to contribute to better knowledge-sharing and a stronger supply chain. Both countries thus intend to strengthen the nuclear ecosystem. This cooperation also underlines the importance of nuclear energy for the energy transition and the energy independence of both countries.
Belgian Energy Minister Mathieu Bihet and Dutch State Secretary for Climate and Green Growth, Jo-Annes de Bat, formalised these plans in a MoU (“Memorandum of Understanding”), signed at the BENENUC26 congress. With this agreement, they underline the need for strengthened cooperation in favour of an efficient, solid and high-performing sector.
The MoU provides that the Netherlands and Belgium will collaborate on developing a broader research base (Research & Development) as well as strengthening knowledge exchange. To this end, both countries will hold periodic meetings. The Netherlands will thus be able to benefit from the industrial expertise and applications currently available in Belgium thanks to its larger number of operational nuclear power plants. Conversely, the Netherlands will be able to share the knowledge it has gained in building new nuclear power plants and developments related to small modular reactors (SMRs). This concerns in particular site studies, permits, procedures and components for (new) nuclear power plants.
The Netherlands and Belgium also want companies and knowledge organisations active in the nuclear sector's value chain and supply chain to cooperate more closely and strengthen one another. This is why both countries will set up innovation missions bringing together companies and knowledge organisations active in the Netherlands and Belgium. Where possible, the authorities will encourage cooperation between companies.
In addition, both countries also want to work on strengthening the knowledge and skills of the people who will work in the nuclear sector. At the peak of nuclear plant construction, around 10,000 workers will be needed, and on average around 5,000 over the entire construction project. This can be achieved in particular through joint training pathways.
With this MoU, the Netherlands and Belgium also confirm their willingness to work closely together on solutions for the management, storage and final disposal of radioactive waste.
Mathieu Bihet, Belgian federal Energy Minister: “Future European nuclear projects will require solid value chains, high-level skills and close cooperation between states, research centres and industry players. Belgium and the Netherlands have recognised expertise and today intend to pool their strengths to contribute to the development of a more robust, more innovative and more independent European nuclear ecosystem.”
Jo-Annes De Bat, Dutch State Secretary for Climate and Green Growth: “The Netherlands currently finds itself at a pivotal moment, with plans to strengthen its energy independence through a greater share of nuclear energy in its energy mix. In a sector undergoing major change and requiring a high density of knowledge, cooperation with neighbouring countries is essential. Together with Belgium, we can give the necessary momentum to our shared ambitions. In doing so, we strengthen the sector and also contribute to a broader European dynamic.”