Supporting PALLAS next-generation medical isotopes reactor in the Netherlands

Tractebel has signed a new mutual agreement with NRG PALLAS to extend their long-standing collaboration on the construction of a new research reactor in Petten, North Holland. This next-generation facility will replace the aging High Flux Reactor (HFR) and ensure the continued global supply of life-saving medical isotopes and nuclear research.

Since 2015, Tractebel, alongside its subcontractor NucAdvisor, has played a pivotal role in the PALLAS project as Owner’s Engineer, providing multidisciplinary expertise in engineering, safety, licensing and project management. The extended agreement reinforces Tractebel’s commitment to supporting the reactor’s successful completion.

The PALLAS-reactor is designed to produce medical isotopes for diagnostics, therapy, and nuclear research, directly benefiting over 30,000 patients daily. With the HFR currently supplying 60% of Europe’s and 30% of the world’s medical radioactive sources, the new reactor will secure a stable and sustainable supply for decades to come.

Engineering excellence in action

Tractebel’s contribution entails embedding long-term experts within the integrated project team with the support of Tractebel’s global nuclear competence centers, acting as an independent third-party reviewer for civil engineering works, and holding a Safety Chair position within the PALLAS Safety Committee. Tractebel also plays an active role in delivering training and facilitating knowledge transfer to strengthen the Intelligent Customer and Design Authority capabilities of the PALLAS organization. Our experts have worked on all phases of the PALLAS project from initial feasibility studies and tendering phase to the various design phases and now construction , providing engineering services for:

– Siting & Licensing Support: Supporting detailed site characterization and preparing licensing documentation (nuclear and conventional).
– Design & Safety: Ensuring compliance with nuclear safety and engineering standards (including technical Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) in design), reviewing technical specifications and safety analysis reports.
– Project & Risk Management: Supporting procurement strategies and risk mitigation.
– Construction Oversight: Advising on civil works, including the complex foundation and pit construction completed in 2025.

The recent completion of the reactor’s foundation was, jointly with other project’s partners, supported by Tractebel’s experts.

Pictures: PALLAS reactor facility (3D modeling) (© RoyalHaskoningDHV)