Flevoland’s regional government is standing firm on its decision to rule out hosting a Small Modular Reactor (SMR), reiterating that the province remains “not a logical location” for nuclear infrastructure. Despite its own early-year study rejecting the technology, local debate was reignited when national grid operator TenneT featured the provincial capital, Lelystad, in a recent technical feasibility report assessing six mini-reactors as an alternative to two major nuclear facilities.
The inclusion of Lelystad prompted local politicians from the pro-nuclear VVD to press the Executive Board on whether a “mini-nuclear plant” might still be viable. However, provincial leaders confirmed their stance is unchanged, pointing to poor soil conditions, limited cooling water options, and a lack of heavy industry requiring that level of power.
TenneT had initially been tasked by the Ministry of Economic Affairs to explore sites for two conventional nuclear plants. Eemshaven in Groningen scored highest technically, but faces strong local political opposition, whereas Zeeland is far more receptive—though connecting plants in Terneuzen would demand massive grid overhauls. This led TenneT to independently model a scenario where six smaller SMRs were spread across Bleiswijk, Dodewaard, Europoort, A9 Zuid, Maasbracht, and Lelystad to balance grid loads more efficiently.
Flevoland authorities expressed disappointment at being kept in the dark over the analysis. TenneT has since issued a formal apology to both the province and the Lelystad municipal council for the resulting misunderstanding.
@anp | NEWS BRAINPORT
