The Dutch energy company DELTA and the French energy company EDF have signed an agreement to collaborate on the future development of a potential second nuclear power plant in Borssele, in the province of Zealand.

With the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), DELTA and EDF have taken a first step towards a partnership in potentially developing a new nuclear power plant in the Netherlands. This signing commences a new phase in a long term process to establish a proper framework that could ultimately lead to a joint development of a nuclear power plant in Borssele. Over the coming period under the partnership established by the MOU, DELTA and EDF will together explore the appropriate contractual structure to incorporate a Joint Development Company (JDC) which may be established at a later stage for the development of the project. In the future,should EDF and DELTA choose to further develop the project , they will probably decide to invite third parties to act as potential investors and off-takers.

DELTA feels encouraged by the latest announcements from the Dutch government about the development of nuclear energy within the Netherlands. More than one year ago, DELTA met the request of the national government to start a permit application procedure, thus planning a concrete project while undertaking to properly safeguard the public interest.

Peter Boerma, DELTA NV CEO said,'I am very glad to take this important step with the French company EDF, which is a highly experienced owner and operator of nuclear power plants. It is important for a project of this scope not just to find a partner that is experienced in building, running and managing nuclear power plants, but also to find a good match. EDF and DELTA have achieved very close and successful cooperation as equal partner for building and operating the 900 MW gas-fired power plant of SLOE and both consider nuclear energy as an essential part in the energy mix in order to contribute to CO2 emissions reductions.'

Marc Boudier, EDF Executive Vice President Head of Europe said,'EDF Group will contribute to the project its unparalleled expertise and experience as the operator of 82 nuclear reactors worldwide and its Architect/Engineer model. The Group will also provide its experience as one of the major players of the international revival of nuclear power. Further to the successful collaboration with Delta on the SLOE plant in Zeeland and the recent acquisition of a majority stake in SPE in Belgium, EDF now enjoys a stronger presence in the Benelux region, an area of major interest in the heart of Europe which constitutes a highly significant hub for energy exchange'.

Tags: EDF Energy