Dutch Cabinet Advances Two New Nuclear Reactors Amid Provincial Opposition

The Dutch cabinet is moving ahead with plans for two large nuclear power stations, evaluating locations in the Paulinapolder/Mosselbanken area of Zeeland, the Eemshaven port in Groningen, and the Terneuzen site in Zeeland. Grid operator TenneT identifies Eemshaven as technically optimal, offering ample transmission capacity, but the province of Groningen rejects the proposal, citing distrust after years of gas‑extraction‑related damage. Zeeland’s Terneuzen option faces its own challenges, requiring a multibillion‑euro upgrade to the high‑voltage network, and there is limited local electricity demand.

Cost estimates from TNO suggest each reactor would cost about €11.4 billion, with total project expenses projected at €25‑30 billion, making nuclear more expensive than alternatives. While most major Dutch parties publicly support nuclear energy, analysts say this backing is largely rhetorical because no market participants are willing to finance the plants. The cabinet also announced that the existing Borssele plant may remain operational beyond 2033.

Provincial leaders voiced strong resistance, with Het Hogeland councilor Eltjo Dijkhuis saying, “We have been badly affected,” and research‑policy expert Lisanne Boersma noting that political support appears “mostly rhetorical.”