The Netherlands will build two new nuclear power plants in the south of the country, which should be ready in 2035, to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, the Dutch government announced on Friday.
These infrastructures, which will be located near the city of Borssele, must be ready by 2035 and supply up to 13% of the electricity the country needs, Prime Minister Mark Rutte emphasized.
“By adding nuclear energy to our energy mix, we reduce the carbon dioxide emissions associated with electricity production and become less dependent on the countries where these fossil fuels come from,” Rutte emphasized in statements to journalists.
Energy prices have been rising in the Netherlands and elsewhere in Europe since the Russian invasion of Ukraine led to the interruption of the supply of oil and gas from Russia.
Since 1973, Borssele, near the Belgian border, has been home to the only nuclear power plant in the Netherlands.
Mark Rute also announced that his government has decided to fully replenish the national gas reserves before next winter.
“The war in Ukraine and the current situation in the energy markets could go on for a while,” he insisted.
Source: DN
