Working together to tackle an essential energy challenge

The construction of two new nuclear power plants requires cooperation across sectors, disciplines, and decades. For companies across the Netherlands—from specialists to support services, from regional to international—this creates opportunities to contribute to a project with a lasting impact on energy supply, knowledge development, and the economy.  

Collaboration

A complex process

The construction of two new nuclear power plants can only be achieved with a broad network of partners from a wide range of sectors. In addition to specialist nuclear activities, expertise is needed in the fields of engineering, construction, manufacturing, talent development, logistics, project management, participation, and safety. This task therefore offers opportunities for regional, national, and international companies to contribute—from assignments in the preparatory and construction phases to long-term collaborations during the operational phase.

activities

Areas of work

The construction of a nuclear power plant is divided into two areas of responsibility: the vendor scope and the owner scope. The vendor scope encompasses all activities directly related to the nuclear power plant itself—both technical and civil—and falls under the responsibility of the technology supplier who will build the plant. This supplier will engage subcontractors and suppliers. The owner scope concerns all facilities necessary to facilitate construction and operation: infrastructure such as roads, railways, and a port, but also offices, utilities, and other support facilities. NEO NL will issue tenders for these packages itself. 

Vendor scope 

After selecting a preferred supplier, a contract will be concluded with this supplier. This supplier will provide all nuclear and directly related work. This work offers opportunities for specialised contractors and subcontractors within the supplier's contract. 

Owner scope 

Once the government has designated a location, NEO NL will develop a plan for all supporting facilities. To this end, we will issue tenders on TenderNed – European, public, or via framework agreements. This mainly involves non-nuclear work that is accessible to a wide range of companies in the construction, infrastructure, and installation sectors. 
Opportunities in the nuclear value chain
The nuclear value chain is the entirety of organisations, networks, and processes required to develop, build, manage, and maintain a nuclear energy project. Visit overkernenergie.nl for more information about opportunities for companies, governments, and educational institutions in the nuclear value chain.

Public and private partners

The field of work in the nuclear sector  

NEO NL already works with many different parties in the public and private sector. During construction and operation, there will be many more. Below you can find a general overview.  

now

Policy and implementation

NEO NL closely works with ministries and implementing organisations that determine the framework for the Dutch energy system and nuclear safety.   

Now

National and international collaboration

More and more countries, such as France, the Czech Republic, the United Kingdom, and the United States, are building or planning new nuclear power plants. NEO NL monitors these developments and actively shares knowledge to ensure that the Dutch expertise continues to grow.

Now

Supervisor

The ANVS ensures that nuclear safety and radiation protection in the Netherlands meet the highest standards. It monitors (nuclear) safety, grants licenses, and assesses design plans.

In the future

Residents and local authorities

Once the location of the new nuclear power plants is known, we will work with residents and local authorities on arrangements regarding the impact of construction on the surrounding area, opportunities for the local economy, and support during the project.  

In the future

Municipalities, provinces, and water authorities

 Once the location of the new nuclear power plants is known, regional authorities will play an essential role. Among other things, they will be responsible for issuing permits, spatial planning, and connecting the plants to local and regional infrastructure.  

In the future

Safety regions and emergency services 

For crisis management, NEO NL works closely with safety regions, police, fire departments, and ambulance services. This ensures that we are prepared with procedures for all conceivable scenarios. 

In the future

Fuel chain  

When the two nuclear power plants are operational, NEO NL will become NEO NL of the so-called fuel chain. This chain runs from uranium mining, enrichment, and use to the processing of radioactive waste. This is done with the help of parties such as Urenco (uranium enrichment) and COVRA (Central Organisation Radioactive Waste Storage).  

In the future

Utilities and transportation  

 Both during construction and when the nuclear power plants are operational, NEO NL works with utility companies and transport partners for energy supply, water management, and logistics via rail and ports.  

In the future

Knowledge partners 

The Dutch government invests in strengthening the nuclear knowledge infrastructure through education, training, and research. To this end, it is collaborating with universities, colleges, and specialised institutes. These knowledge partners will help NEO NL find experts with nuclear knowledge.

Frequently asked questions

Answers to the most frequently asked questions about our construction process.
What opportunities are there for Dutch businesses in the construction of nuclear power plants?   

In addition to specialised nuclear activities, there will be a lot of work in the fields of engineering, construction, manufacturing, talent development, logistics, project management, and safety. Furthermore, thousands of people will be working on the project during construction, requiring housing, shopping, and recreational facilities.

What activities will be involved?  

There are two types of work involved in building nuclear power plants.

  1. Activities related to project preparation, site preparation, construction of infrastructure, office buildings, storage buildings, and other facilities. NEO NL is the contracting party for these activities.
  2. Activities directly related to the construction of the nuclear power plant, such as (nuclear) concrete work. The technology supplier that will be selected will be the contracting party for these activities.
How do I know what opportunities are currently available for suppliers? 

When tenders are available that suppliers can bid on, information about these tenders is posted on the webpage for businesses.

What requirements will NEO NL demand from suppliers?   

Suppliers must comply with all relevant laws and regulations. In addition, specific requirements are imposed depending on the work and activities involved.

When will you start engaging with local parties and local authorities? 

Until a preferred location has been decided upon, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy will initiate contact with local parties and local authorities. Discussions with the local community will be integrated into our working method from the moment the location is known. Because building a good relationship with local parties and authorities is NEO NL , we will join the discussions that take place from the moment a draft preferred decision is made.

More questions?

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