Oct 1, 2025
The official commencement of building a new Dutch research reactor has started.
Anita van den Ende, Secretary General of the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport, has officially initiated the construction of the Pallas research reactor in Petten, Netherlands.
The Pallas research reactor is intended to replace the existing High Flux Reactor (HFR), operational since September 1960, which provides about 60% of Europe’s and 30% of the world’s medical radioactive sources. Pallas will utilize a "tank-in-pool" design with a thermal power of approximately 55 MW, allowing for more efficient neutron flux deployment than the HFR.
"Every day, many thousands of patients rely on medical isotopes produced in Petten for their diagnosis or treatment," stated NRG-Pallas CEO Maurits Wolleswinkel. "By building the Pallas reactor to replace the High Flux Reactor, we are securing future supply. This will reduce the Netherlands' and Europe’s dependence on other nations. Advancements in therapeutic isotopes are promising. By developing and manufacturing new isotopes, we aim to enhance patient care."
Peter Dijk, programme director of the Pallas Programme, remarked: "The Pallas reactor is a significant infrastructure project, necessitating thorough preparation. We have completed all necessary steps with the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport to establish a state-owned company and secure funding. Together with our construction partner FCC and design partner ICHOS, we are ready to commence construction of the reactor building. We take pride in what we have accomplished and what remains: constructing a reactor in the cofferdam."
Background
The Dutch government allocated funding for the Pallas reactor's construction in the coming years, even before finalizing the decision. Last year, the European Commission approved the Dutch government’s plan to invest EUR2 billion (USD2.2 billion) in the reactor, which received a construction license in February 2023.
Foundation work began in May 2023. Ministers directed NRG-Pallas to avoid irreversible actions while continuing preparations to prevent delays until the official construction approval was granted.
In May, NRG-Pallas announced the completion of the construction pit—approximately 50 metres by 50 metres and 17.5 metres deep—and the foundation for the Pallas reactor.
In July, the Netherlands' caretaker Minister of Health, Welfare and Sport, Daniëlle Jansen, informed the House of Representatives that the project was ready to advance to the next construction phase.
In its progress update, NRG-Pallas noted that construction has commenced on the pit for the secondary cooling system building. Additionally, preparations are underway for the installation of a cooling water pipeline, which will draw water from the Noordhollandsch Kanaal and discharge it into the North Sea.
The Pallas research reactor is intended to replace the existing High Flux Reactor (HFR), operational since September 1960, which provides about 60% of Europe’s and 30% of the world’s medical radioactive sources. Pallas will utilize a "tank-in-pool" design with a thermal power of approximately 55 MW, allowing for more efficient neutron flux deployment than the HFR.
"Every day, many thousands of patients rely on medical isotopes produced in Petten for their diagnosis or treatment," stated NRG-Pallas CEO Maurits Wolleswinkel. "By building the Pallas reactor to replace the High Flux Reactor, we are securing future supply. This will reduce the Netherlands' and Europe’s dependence on other nations. Advancements in therapeutic isotopes are promising. By developing and manufacturing new isotopes, we aim to enhance patient care."
Peter Dijk, programme director of the Pallas Programme, remarked: "The Pallas reactor is a significant infrastructure project, necessitating thorough preparation. We have completed all necessary steps with the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport to establish a state-owned company and secure funding. Together with our construction partner FCC and design partner ICHOS, we are ready to commence construction of the reactor building. We take pride in what we have accomplished and what remains: constructing a reactor in the cofferdam."
Background
The Dutch government allocated funding for the Pallas reactor's construction in the coming years, even before finalizing the decision. Last year, the European Commission approved the Dutch government’s plan to invest EUR2 billion (USD2.2 billion) in the reactor, which received a construction license in February 2023.
Foundation work began in May 2023. Ministers directed NRG-Pallas to avoid irreversible actions while continuing preparations to prevent delays until the official construction approval was granted.
In May, NRG-Pallas announced the completion of the construction pit—approximately 50 metres by 50 metres and 17.5 metres deep—and the foundation for the Pallas reactor.
In July, the Netherlands' caretaker Minister of Health, Welfare and Sport, Daniëlle Jansen, informed the House of Representatives that the project was ready to advance to the next construction phase.
In its progress update, NRG-Pallas noted that construction has commenced on the pit for the secondary cooling system building. Additionally, preparations are underway for the installation of a cooling water pipeline, which will draw water from the Noordhollandsch Kanaal and discharge it into the North Sea.