SMR’s in the Netherlands: from pioneering to realisation

On Wednesday afternoon 20 May, during Electricity Week in Arnhem, a closed session will be organised with a select group of experts on the opportunities and realisation of SMRs in the Netherlands.

The market opportunities for SMRs are clear, but the central question is: how can these opportunities be translated into concrete and realisable projects in the short term?

The 2026 coalition agreement shows that the Dutch government considers nuclear energy, including SMRs, essential for achieving CO₂-neutral electricity by 2035. The government is committed to accelerating the SMR programme and positions SMRs as a complement to large-scale nuclear power plants – particularly for high-temperature heat and electricity in industry and hydrogen production.

Before summer, the national government will publish a roadmap to realise 7 GW of nuclear energy, including the conditions needed to successfully and timely develop SMRs in the Netherlands.

During this afternoon session, we will explore:

• What conditions are needed for a robust and economically viable business case that enables financing? (financing models, phasing, site selection, long-term offtake agreements)
• What is needed to ensure electricity and heat networks, both regionally and nationally, connect well to future industrial demand and new energy networks?
• How do we ensure Dutch companies are already participating in international SMR developments and become part of the international value chain?

This interactive session focuses on sharing knowledge and insights, connecting perspectives and formulating concrete next steps – from vision to realisation.

An initiative of the collaborating Regional Development Agencies (ROMs) and Nucleair Nederland.

Programme

13:00 – 14:00 Walk-in with coffee & tea – networking and introductions

14:00 – 15:00 Working session part 1 – expert round table

15:00 – 15:30 Break – coffee & tea

15:30 – 16:30 Working session part 2 – interaction with attendees (questions and defining actions)

16:30 – 17:30 Informal drinks