The text on this page was automatically translated and hence may differ from the original. No rights can be derived from this translation.
Background
The Rutte IV cabinet decided to extend the operational life of the Borssele nuclear power plant and to build two new nuclear power plants. This ambition was further increased in the Main Lines Agreement of the Schoof cabinet to the construction of four new nuclear power plants in the Netherlands. Additionally, there is political attention for the potential use of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). To achieve these ambitions, a solid Dutch knowledge and innovation base is essential. Therefore, an exploratory mission team Nuclear Energy has been established. This team has developed a Multi-Year Mission-Driven Innovation Programme (MMIP) Nuclear Energy. The aim of this program is to safeguard, strengthen, and future-proof the nuclear knowledge infrastructure through targeted investments in education, research, and innovation. Within the MMIP Nuclear Energy, eight research themes have been identified:- Radiation protection
- System knowledge (integration into the Dutch energy system);
- Knowledge on nuclear reactor and fuel cycle technologies;
- Reactor-related 'enabling' topics;
- High-temperature hydrogen production;
- Material research, including with the use of nuclear/ionizing radiation;
- Processing and storage of radioactive waste and geological disposal;
- Perception, communication, and public support.
Objective
The demand for a clear overview of the specific knowledge and innovation needs within governments and businesses is increasing. There is a need for insight into the available possibilities and the investments required to further develop and strengthen the nuclear knowledge ecosystem in the Netherlands. Commissioned by the Nuclear Energy program directorate of the Ministry of Climate and Green Growth, Dialogic, in collaboration with the Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO) and the Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), conducted an inventory study for the nuclear energy knowledge and innovation program. This research was conducted concurrently with another study on human capital issues in the nuclear domain. While both topics are related, this study does not focus on human capital. The inventory study has two main objectives:- Mapping the needs for knowledge development and innovation within the nuclear domain, leading to a nuclear energy knowledge and innovation program.
- Developing thematic roadmaps based on this inventory, focusing on knowledge development and innovation in the nuclear domain.
Approach
Through a desk study based on vision documents and 42 interviews with a total of 57 stakeholders, we gained valuable insights into the knowledge and innovation issues and the nuclear ecosystem in the Netherlands. These issues were then organized and clustered within the eight MMIP themes. In four working sessions, each involving 10 to 15 stakeholders, the issues were further refined, explained, and validated. Subsequently, in an overarching working session with 19 experts, concrete steps were determined for developing the thematic roadmaps. After each working session, participants had the opportunity to provide written feedback on interim products.Results
In this report, we first outline the recent developments in government policy regarding the Dutch nuclear knowledge infrastructure since 2020, including the steps taken in development and stimulation. Additionally, we provide a brief description of the Dutch nuclear innovation ecosystem. Next, we present an overview of the gathered knowledge and innovation questions, with an explanation of their context and content. This contributes to a better understanding of the specific challenges that knowledge and innovation programs can address. Furthermore, we develop eight thematic roadmaps. These include ambitions, steps to be taken, timelines, uncertainties, and involved partners. We also describe relevant international forums and research programmes where the Netherlands can collaborate with international partners. In addition to the knowledge and innovation issues and roadmaps, we provide some recommendations to strengthen the nuclear innovation ecosystem:- Strengthen education and training programs.
- Encourage domestic and international collaboration.
- Secure high-quality facilities and ensure adequate coordination.
- Manage and preserve acquired knowledge with an effective knowledge management system.
- Ensure sufficient valorisation of knowledge.
- Ensure the continuity of the MMIP beyond 2030.
