If large-scale nuclear energy can be realised without exceeding budgets and construction periods and if small modular reactors (SMRs) achieve their cost ambitions, nuclear energy can play “a significant role” in the Dutch energy system, a study produced for the ministry of economic affairs and climate policy has shown.

The study warns that the costs of nuclear power plants under construction in Europe are “much higher than expected”, but said potential problems could be mitigated if the government became closely involved in the development and financing of nuclear energy projects.

It says if nuclear energy is not part of the electricity generation mix in the Netherlands, the dependence on energy imports will increase. “Nuclear power plants in the Netherlands contribute to the Netherlands having an annual surplus of electricity,” it says.