MoU covers knowledge sharing, growth of supply chain and job training
Belgium and the Netherlands have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) covering the development of nuclear energy in both countries from small modular reactors (SMRs) and jobs training to waste management.
The agreement was signed at the fourth Belgium Netherlands Nuclear Conference (BeNeNuc) congress in Brussels by the Belgian energy minister Mathieu Bihet and Dutch secretary for climate and green growth Jo-Annes de Bat.
The two countries committed to holding regular meetings to exchange more knowledge and create a robust supply chain and a research and development base for their nuclear industries.
In a statement from the Belgian energy ministry, the countries said that the Netherlands would benefit from the nuclear expertise already operational in Belgium.
Meanwhile, the Netherlands would share its knowledge in the development of SMRs including site studies, permits, procedures and components for advanced reactors.
Belgium has two nuclear plants still operational – Doel-4 and Tihange-3 – but in 2025 reversed on a decision to shut down its reactors and is looking at both restarts of offline plants and the potential construction of new builds. It originally had a fleet of seven units.
Meanwhile, the Netherlands has a single 482-MW pressurised water reactor, Borssele, that began operation in 1973. A coalition government committed in 2025 to developing four new reactors in the country, be they large-scale plants or SMRs.
The MoU was welcomed by both energy ministers.
Bihet said: “Future European nuclear projects will require robust value chains, high-level expertise, and close cooperation between states, research centers, and industry.”
“Belgium and the Netherlands possess recognised expertise and now intend to combine their strengths to contribute to the development of a more robust, innovative, and independent European nuclear ecosystem.”
De Bat said: “In a rapidly evolving sector that requires a high density of knowledge, cooperation with neighbouring countries is essential. Together with Belgium, we can provide the necessary impetus for our shared ambitions.”
Working Towards A Skilled Worker Base
Both countries also committed to creating “innovation missions” to encourage collaboration between supply chain companies. Those companies would be encouraged to work together by their respective governments.
The statement said that the countries would work towards developing a skilled worker base for the nuclear industry, through the establishment of joint training programs.
Solutions would also be explored covering collaboration for the management, storage and final disposal of nuclear waste.
