Dutch Consortium Embarks on Molten Salt Reactor Development
Eindhoven, Friday, 10 January 2025.
Dutch firms Demcon, Thorizon, and VDL Group have teamed up to develop molten salt reactors, enhancing the Netherlands’ role in sustainable nuclear technology.
Strategic Partnership Formation
The groundbreaking collaboration was formalized on January 9, 2025, when the three Dutch technology companies signed a project agreement to demonstrate and validate critical components of molten salt reactors [1]. This initiative builds upon a partnership established in October 2024 during Climate and Green Growth Minister Sophie Hermans’ visit to the Dutch Institute for Fundamental Energy Research (DIFFER) in Eindhoven [2][3]. The consortium’s commitment to innovation is further evidenced by their December 2024 grant application to the Province of Noord-Brabant [2].
Revolutionary Technology Development
The project’s centerpiece, known as Thorizon One, is being developed as a 100 MWe molten salt reactor with impressive capabilities, including the potential to power 250,000 households or a single data center [2]. This innovative reactor is designed to be ‘walk-away safe’ and will utilize long-lived nuclear waste as fuel [2]. The consortium aims to deliver several component prototypes and establish a testing facility in Noord-Brabant by mid-2027 [1].
International Recognition and Support
The project has gained significant international backing, having been selected as a key initiative by the European Commission and receiving support through the France 2030 investment plan [1][3]. As Thorizon CEO Kiki Lauwers notes, ‘For Thorizon, this is a unique opportunity,’ highlighting the collaborative potential with industry leaders VDL and DEMCON in developing high-tech projects from concept to production [2].
Future Impact and Timeline
The consortium’s work is part of a broader initiative that began in 2021 when Noord-Brabant launched the ‘Nuclear Energy for the Future’ coalition [2]. With construction of Thorizon One planned for around 2030 [1], and a pilot plant targeted for the mid-2030s [3], this project represents a significant step forward in sustainable nuclear technology. The initiative is expected to strengthen the Dutch manufacturing sector’s competitiveness, create new employment opportunities, and drive innovation in clean energy solutions [2].