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Brussels agrees to 2 billion euro support for Dutch nuclear reactor for cancer medicines

by AI | 26.Jul 2024 | Europe in brief AI

The Netherlands is building a new nuclear reactor again after a long time.

European Commissioner for Competition Margrethe Vestager

BRUSSELS (ANP) – The European Commission has approved a Dutch subsidy of 2 billion euros for the construction of a nuclear reactor in the Dutch municipality of Petten. The reactor is intended, among other things, for the development and storage of medical radioisotopes for the treatment of cancer.

The new reactor for the medical PALLAS project is to replace an old reactor in Petten. The subsidy is partly in the form of a loan. The new reactor does not generate energy.

The Netherlands had asked Brussels for permission for the subsidy for construction. This is mandatory according to European agreements to prevent unfair competition between companies and countries.

According to European Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager, the Dutch application was approved because the PALLAS project helps secure essential medicines for the European market. The project could also lead to “an innovative breakthrough in nuclear technology from which European citizens will benefit.” There is also little chance of market disruption.

The Dutch Authority for Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection (ANVS) already gave approval for the construction of the new reactor in Petten in February last year. It was the first time in decades that a permit was issued for the construction of a new nuclear reactor in the Netherlands.

(July 26, 2024)