Exploring potential areas for SMRs in the Dutch Province of Overijssel

Tractebel carried out an initial siting study commissioned by the Province of Overijssel for the possible integration of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in the region. This is an initial technical analysis that concludes that, from a siting perspective, there are potentially suitable areas in many parts of Overijssel.

This initial exploration examined internationally recognized criteria, such as the availability of cooling water and the distance from residential areas and nature reserves. The results are intended as a first technical building block to improve knowledge and understanding.

Tractebel’s initial siting study

A team of experts from Tractebel developed a comprehensive evaluation framework based on internationally recognized siting criteria from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Using SMR.SITE, a proprietary Tractebel tool for multicriteria site analysis, the team considered population density, natural hazards, cultural heritage, critical infrastructure, cooling water and proximity to the grid. Similar studies in Belgium, Poland, Estonia and Canada have shown that this method for canvassing possible location areas can be very useful.
It concludes that for small SMRs up to 100 MW there are potential suitable locations in many parts of Overijssel. For larger SMRs (between 100 MW and 500 MW), only a few locations appear possible, mainly near the River IJssel. The province is now exploring the available options so that it can make well-informed decisions in the future.

No decision on nuclear energy or locations

At present, the province has not taken any decision on the deployment of SMRs. Nor have any locations been designated for an SMR. The report only shows which areas might potentially be suitable from a spatial planning perspective. This does not mean that these areas are in fact suitable for an SMR. The report is a technical analysis, not a political decision. No environmental impact assessment has yet been carried out, no safety studies have been conducted, and no public participation with residents has yet taken place. The study therefore has no direct consequences or obligations for municipalities or residents.

Future energy mix

The exploration stems from the Overijssel Energy Vision 2050, which states that the province is working towards a future-proof energy mix, using different energy carriers such as electricity, hydrogen, heat and biogas. This vision will be reviewed in 2028. At that point, decisions will also be prepared on how electricity should be generated in the future. Nuclear energy may potentially play a role in this.

What’s next?

The province is using the outcomes of this exploration as a first technical building block to deepen its knowledge of the future energy mix. No follow-up decisions have been taken yet. To enable such decisions in the future, the province is initiating a number of next steps. These include research into public support and a study into how SMRs could fit into the electricity grid.

The Province’s press release can be read HERE and the study is available HERE (in Dutch).