Borssele NPP Extension

The Challenge

The Dutch government (Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy, EZK) initiated the development of two new nuclear power plants at Borssele, adjacent to the existing site. EDF, as a qualified vendor, needed a comprehensive feasibility review to anticipate permitting hurdles, environmental study requirements, and site-specific constraints. The challenge was to map regulatory pathways, identify environmental sensitivities early, and de risk the pre development phase to enable a smooth, sustainable project trajectory.

The Solution

IMDC conducted a high level feasibility study focused on permitting strategy and environmental impact assessment readiness. The work scoped applicable regulatory frameworks, defined baseline data needs and study methodologies (including hydrology, ecology, coastal processes, and cumulative effects), and outlined stakeholder engagement and consultation approaches. We identified potential constraints and mitigation options, proposed an efficient sequencing of studies aligned with licensing milestones, and prepared a practical roadmap to coordinate engineering inputs with E&S requirements from the outset.

The Impact

The feasibility study provided EDF with a clear, actionable pathway for permitting and environmental studies, reducing uncertainty and compressing timelines in the early project phase. By anticipating critical issues and integrating mitigation into the planning framework, the project is better positioned for regulatory acceptance, stakeholder support, and sustainable delivery—strengthening the viability of the Borssele new-build program and enabling informed decisions for subsequent design and development stages.