3 Feb (NucNet): A new study of Dutch energy policy by the International Energy Agency (IEA) urges the government to take a decision on new nuclear build as soon as possible or risk creating uncertainty.

The publication*, �Energy Policies of IEA Countries � the Netherlands 2008 Review�, says it is �commendable that the government is beginning to consider whether nuclear could play a larger role in the country�s future energy mix�.

According to the publication: �Delaying a final decision until after 2011, while leaving time to build consensus, also leaves uncertainty about a technology that requires significant lead time to be planned, built and go on line. The government should come to a clearer position as early as possible, using the time to 2011 to create the necessary building blocks and regulatory framework to allow for a timely decision to be taken.�

IEA executive director Nobuo Tanaka said at yesterday�s launch of the publication that the Netherlands should work towards a �broad political consensus� on the future role of nuclear power in the country, keeping in mind that expanding nuclear energy �could make a significant contribution to meeting greenhouse gas emissions targets in a cost-effective manner�.

Mr Tanaka highlighted the country�s �demanding energy and climate agenda�, noting that it calls for a 30 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 from 1990 levels, a 20 percent share of renewables in the energy mix by 2020 and annual energy efficiency improvements of 2 percent by 2020.

In February 2007, the incoming coalition government in the Netherlands said it endorsed an earlier agreement to keep the country�s only operational reactor unit (the single-unit Borssele) operating until 2033, although no new units would be built during the new government�s term of office.

In September 2008, Dutch utility Delta announced proposals to build a second reactor unit at Borssele that the utility said could be operational by 2016.

Political observers have noted that the coalition government is split on the subject of nuclear power. The Christian Democrats, under prime minister Jan-Peter Balkenende, have made strong calls for new nuclear build, while the Labour party and the Christian Union (the junior coalition partner) are anti-nuclear. The main opposition Socialist party has indicated that it is revising its traditional anti-nuclear stance �because the alternatives to nuclear are worse�.

*Details of how to order a copy of the publication (ISBN 978-92-64-04339-8) are available on the IEA�s on line bookshop (http://www.iea.org).

� by John Shepherd


>>Related reports in the NucNet database (available to subscribers)

New Netherlands� Government Confirms Continued Operation Of Borssele (News No. 34, 8 February 2007)

Dutch Utility Starts Licensing Process For Proposed New Unit At Borssele (News No. 73, 10 September 2008)

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