SPECIAL REPORT | LOCAL CONTENT
The new PALLAS reactor will replace the High Flux Reactor (HFR) in Petten to supply medical isotopes. Source: NRG PALLAS
at the expense of timely delivery or budget. According to him, the key is ensuring a balance between the two programme objectives. Financially, pushing local content too aggressively
could inflate overall project costs by 10–20%, according to recurring industry estimates, due to reduced supplier margins and extended qualification processes. Yet a pragmatic target of 30–50% on civil works, infrastructure and owner-scope activities is widely viewed as compatible with NEO NL’s objectives: containing cost overruns while maximising economic value for the Netherlands. The challenge remains striking the right balance between political priorities and project delivery realities. Ensuring that nuclear projects do not suffer
significant delays and cost overruns is also necessary to build confidence in nuclear energy in the Netherlands argues Joaquina Zappey, managing director of Nuvia. Whether these arguments will convince decision
makers and politicians to rethink the traditional approach to local content, which often sets percentage targets, is unclear. Although they can sometimes be cast aside by industry players, topics such as job creation, benefits for the local industry and long-term socio- economic development will rightly continue to be a key concern for democratically elected Dutch representatives. Politicians and regional authorities argue that
local content requirements go beyond short-term electoral appeal. In addition to direct construction jobs (estimated at several thousand over 10–15 years), well-targeted localisation can deliver lasting benefits such as building exportable expertise in research and innovation, high tech components and specialised services – areas where the Netherlands already holds a competitive edge, as highlighted by Urenco’s Baars. Investment in human capital through Delft University
and Top Sector Energy programmes would also help rejuvenate an ageing workforce (average age around 55) and create a sustainable skills base capable of serving projects across Europe. A regional “Airbus-like” model, frequently mentioned within NEO NL, would allow specialisation – the Netherlands focusing on
22 | May 2026 |
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high-tech non-nuclear scopes, France on the nuclear island – while reinforcing European strategic autonomy amid geopolitical tensions. Industry estimates suggest that a balanced target of 20–40% local content on non- critical scopes could limit cost increases to 5–10%, while boosting public confidence and justifying the scale of public investment to taxpayers.
Vendors’ local content strategy for large reactors EDF and Westinghouse are the two remaining contenders aiming to build the first two new nuclear units, following the withdrawal of KHNP in March 2025. Their local content strategy and delivery model could not stand further apart though. Tractebel’s Narasimhamurthy said that during the Made for Nuclear Event, technology vendors demonstrated interest and willingness to ensure localisation and that any Dutch company can approach them and potentially be integrated in broader European supply chains. Baars considers that both EDF and Westinghouse
understand that local involvement matter politically, saying: “We can do more to activate local companies by providing clear project timelines”. Westinghouse has announced it would partner with Hyundai during the Made for Nuclear event. Many see this as a move to counter criticism of delays and cost overruns, which caused the company to file for bankruptcy in 2017. Hyundai promises to build “on time and on budget” and many Dutch stakeholders have talked of being impressed by the strength of Korean supply chain, arguing that “they can deliver what they say they can deliver”. Others have pointed to Hyundai’s poor track record in recent energy projects in Poland. EDF’s supply chain is perceived as picking up pace, and upgrading capabilities, for example at le Creusot. Its recent and ongoing projects in France and in UK have been noticed by some for involving companies from across the European continent. A decision maker responsible for the development of a nuclear programme in Europe stated at the 2025 WNE event: “We smile when
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