Dutch agreement clears the path for building a commercial MSR.

A memorandum of understanding has been finalized for the development of a non-nuclear Thorizon molten-salt reactor demonstrator in Zeeland, Netherlands. This will be accompanied by a nuclear demonstrator at Petten in Noord-Holland, leading to the establishment of the first commercial unit in Zeeland.

The MoU, endorsed by Thorizon, EPZ, NRG-Pallas, the provinces of Zeeland and North Holland, Impuls Zeeland, ROM InWest, and Invest-NL, enhances activities for the non-nuclear demonstrator in Zeeland, secures a location for the Thorizon Pioneer nuclear demonstrator at NRG-Pallas in Noord-Holland, and promotes the site validation for Thorizon One, the inaugural commercial molten salt reactor in Zeeland.

The MoU outlines three key milestones: the establishment of a non-nuclear molten salt test facility and the initiation of the Thorizon PILOT program in Zeeland, alongside Schelde Exotech and VDL Groep in Noord-Brabant, by 2027; the construction of the Thorizon Pioneer nuclear demonstrator in Petten by 2028; and the development of Thorizon One, a 100 MWe commercial molten salt reactor in Zeeland by 2034.

Within the MoU, NRG-Pallas has indicated its intent to support Thorizon in realizing the nuclear demonstrator and to jointly oversee its commissioning. The Thorizon Pioneer aims to industrialize molten salt reactors, serving as a smaller, non-commercial prototype focused on validating the reactor core without generating electricity. This facility will be Europe's first operational nuclear molten salt reactor, presenting unique research and development opportunities. NRG-Pallas plans to take on the roles of owner, licensee, and operator for the Thorizon Pioneer.

NRG-Pallas stated that the establishment of the Thorizon demonstration reactor at the Energy & Health Campus in Petten is a significant advancement for the campus as a global center for nuclear innovation. The project's integration of research facilities, medical isotope production, and next-generation reactor development fosters a unique ecosystem for knowledge development, testing, and application.

Thorizon and EPZ, which operates the Netherlands' sole commercial nuclear power plant at Borssele, have conducted a pre-feasibility assessment that confirms the Borssele site's suitability. EPZ has joined the coalition to explore becoming the owner, licensee, and operator of Thorizon One.

The provinces of Zeeland and Noord-Holland are dedicated to facilitating permitting and licensing processes while actively engaging regional stakeholders. Regional development agencies Impuls Zeeland and ROM InWest have shown interest in co-investing directly in Thorizon, in addition to anchoring the roadmap in their local economic ecosystems. Invest-NL, a supporter of Thorizon since 2022, has reiterated its commitment to providing financial assistance for the crucial next phase of development.

Thorizon and its partners aim to secure financing from the European Investment Bank for Thorizon One and seek support for the Pioneer demonstrator under Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEI), in addition to private co-investment from new strategic investors. The overall investment in this roadmap is projected to exceed one billion euros, generating thousands of high-skilled jobs and positioning the Netherlands as Europe's leading hub for advanced nuclear manufacturing and innovation.

Kiki Lauwers, CEO of Thorizon, remarked that securing a site for the demonstrator and making significant progress toward the first commercial reactor in Zeeland marks a pivotal achievement for Thorizon. With NRG-Pallas in Petten and EPZ in Borssele, they have formed strong partnerships that will facilitate the transition from development to deployment. She expressed gratitude to all involved parties for their commitment and excitement for making Europe’s first molten salt reactor a reality.

EPZ CEO Marco Muilenburg stated that after over 50 years of operating the Borssele site, EPZ is determined to play a crucial role in the future of nuclear energy in the Netherlands. He looks forward to exploring the implications of a first-of-its-kind molten salt reactor at their site in Zeeland for the region, the country, and the energy transition.

Maurits Wolleswinkel, CEO of NRG-Pallas, noted that they have been leaders in applied research on molten salt technology for many years, and he expressed pride in Thorizon's emergence from their organization. He is enthusiastic about the opportunity to leverage their nuclear infrastructure and expertise to develop the Thorizon Pioneer demonstrator at the Energy & Health Campus and contribute to CO2-free energy with minimal nuclear waste.

Molten salt reactors (MSRs) utilize molten fluoride salts as a primary coolant at low pressure, potentially operating with epithermal or fast neutron spectrums and various fuels. Current interest in reviving the MSR concept is tied to using thorium to breed fissile uranium-233, requiring an initial fissile material source such as plutonium-239.

Thorizon is working on a 250 MWt/100 MWe molten salt reactor aimed at large industrial consumers and utility companies. The molten salt fuel developed by Thorizon combines long-lived elements from reprocessed nuclear fuel with thorium, allowing the reactor to recycle long-lived waste from existing facilities. A distinctive feature of the Thorizon One design is its core, composed of cartridges replaced every five to ten years, which addresses two major challenges in molten salt reactor design: material corrosion and management of used fuel volumes.