PALLAS Programme

The High Flux Reactor (HFR) in Petten, Noord-Holland, produces two thirds of the medical isotopes in Europe, but it reaches its useful life around 2030. The PALLAS-reactor is therefore needed to maintain the nuclear infrastructure in Petten, the Netherlands.

The use of nuclear medicine is booming, especially for new therapies. Around 200,000 patient treatments with therapeutic isotopes take place in Europe every year. This number is expected to increase by 8 per cent annually.

Foundation Preparation Pallas-reactor

  • The Foundation Preparation Pallas-reactor (PALLAS) was formed in order to realise a new multipurpose nuclear reactor in Petten, Noord-Holland, to replace the current High Flux Reactor (HFR).
  • In December 2013, the Dutch government embraces this initiative, and the Foundation Preparation Pallas-reactor is established to realise the PALLAS-reactor.
  • In January 2012, the Cabinet supports the realisation of the new reactor in order for the Netherlands to maintain a strong position in the world market of medical isotopes.
  • As of 2020, PALLAS and NRG are a so-called 'personal union', and a plan has been drawn up for full integration. NRG remains closely involved in the PALLAS project.

  • The original aim of the PALLAS facilities was to be commercially financed, owned, and operated.
  • The government has provided a number of loans, so that NRG PALLAS was able to work on the design and the business case, obtain permits, and have conversations with possible financiers. However, according to the government, private financing based on conditions acceptable to the government was not feasible.
  • In his letter (dated 21 January 2022), minister Ernst Kuipers reports to the Parliament that the key question is whether the Netherlands will continue its leading role in the security of supply of medical isotopes or whether we consider a greater international dependence and uncertainties regarding future availability of medical isotopes to be acceptable and proportionate.
  • On 20 September 2022, minister Kuipers of the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport announces that money has been set aside for the construction of the PALLAS-reactor in Petten, Noord-Holland, for the coming years. The Ministry reserved 30 million euros for the project in 2022 and 129 million euros per year from the year thereafter.
  • On 19 September 2023, minister Kuipers of Health, Welfare and Sport announces that there will be full financing for the construction of the PALLAS-reactor.
  • On 26 July 2024, the European Commission approved the Dutch government's plan to invest money in the construction of the PALLAS-reactor.
  • The total costs of the PALLAS project are estimated at 1.6 to 2.2 billion euros.
Research

Nuclear technology research and knowledge infrastructure

  • NRG PALLAS specialises in radiation protection, nuclear safety, radioactive waste, and energy technology. In Petten, for example, research is being done on thorium and developments around smaller reactors (SMRs).
  • Knowledge of these specialised fields is needed to assess future options around the energy transition, especially regarding the role of nuclear energy in the sustainable energy mix.

Energy & Health Campus

  • The new PALLAS-reactor will be located at the Energy & Health Campus (EHC) in Petten. More than 1,600 employees are employed by different companies on the EHC.
  • The PALLAS-reactor will be realised next to the High Flux Reactor (HFR) and the Hotlabs.
  • NRG PALLAS is realising FIELD-LAB, a collaboration with UMCs and partners from the pharmaceutical industry working in the field of new nuclear medicine applications.
Pagina 36 37 FIELD LAB Ziekenhuisgang

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Contact

Tel.: +31 (0)88 20 24 024

E-mail: info@pallasreactor.com

Office  
Comeniusstraat 8, 1817 MS Alkmaar, the Netherlands

PALLAS site Petten 
Westerduinweg 3, 1755 LE Petten, the Netherlands   

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