Site survey nuclear power plant

The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate has announced that from Feb. 23 the intention will start for the new construction of 2 nuclear power plants and the proposal for participation. This is the first step of the project procedure to arrive at a final choice of location. Gemeente Voorne aan Zee considers it important to inform residents about this development, although the Rijksoverheid is in charge. 

Research plan and site survey 

The Rijksoverheid government is investigating two sites for the construction of two nuclear power plants. The study focuses on seven possible sites in four areas: 

  • In the Sloe area: the EPZ site in Borssele and the former Thermphos site in Vlissingen
  • In Terneuzen: Mussel Banks/Paulina Polder
  • On the Maasvlakte II: Alexiahaven west side
  • In Eemshaven: Westereemsweg/Emmapolder, Eemshaven power plant and Eems power plant

On May 16, the Rijksoverheid published several documents; the research plan (draft Notitie Reikwijdte en Detailniveau), the participation plan, explanations on how you can participate and the study on location Borssele (Technical Feasibility Study).

The site survey is part of the project procedure. Based on this procedure, one site will eventually be chosen for the construction of the two nuclear power plants.

Resident survey in October 2025

Starting Oct. 14, 2025, the ministry will start a residents' survey around the construction of two new nuclear power plants. The survey will take place in four areas under consideration as possible locations: the Sloe area (Borsele/Vlissingen), Terneuzen, Maasvlakte II and Eemshaven. In addition to direct residents, residents from the provinces of Zeeland, South Holland and Groningen will also be surveyed. A total of 25,000 randomly selected households will receive an invitation to participate in the survey. That's 2,500 households in the immediate vicinity of the four areas, plus 5,000 households per province. 

The residents' survey, consisting of a questionnaire, is being conducted by research firm Ipsos I&O, commissioned by the ministry. The questionnaire is intended for residents who live within 15 kilometers of the designated sites, and among residents from the provinces. They will receive a letter inviting them to participate. The questions are about concerns and opportunities people see with the construction of nuclear power plants. They also ask what people think about nuclear power and the climate and their experience with the decision-making process.

Municipality of Voorne aan Zee would like to make its residents aware of this survey. Participating in the survey is possible until October 31, 2025. The results will help ministers choose a site. The municipality is asking residents to participate and give their opinions.

More information about the study can be found on the About Nuclear Energy website.

Project Procedure

The "intention and proposal for participation" is a formal part of the project procedure for projects of national importance. Based on a careful procedure, the Cabinet will make a final decision on the site in 2025. The project procedure is one of the 4 working tracks needed to make a final decision and start the tender process. Earlier, the first technical feasibility studies, market consultation and first steps for the State-Region package have been started.

Want to know more or respond?

You can view the documents on the Nuclear Energy website. The Webinar on the developments surrounding the construction of two nuclear power plants is available online at the Nuclear Power website.