Dutch government acquires Borssele nuclear plant shares to extend its operation

The Netherlands has taken control of the Borssele nuclear power plant by purchasing the shares previously owned by the province of Zeeland and its municipalities. State Secretary De Bat of Climate and Green Growth wrote to parliament that the acquisition is part of a strategy to keep the 1973-era facility open longer, citing its role in a diversified and stable energy supply and the need to retain nuclear know-how. Although the plant was slated to close in 2033, recent shifts in opinion about nuclear energy’s climate benefits have led to this policy change.

The Senate has already approved a legislative amendment to permit an extended operating period, but the final decision still rests with the full shareholder group, which also includes the German energy company RWE. The government will also provide additional capital to guarantee the plant’s financial health and cover ongoing costs. The coalition’s program calls for building at least four new reactors in the coming years, potentially including small modular designs.