Nuclear plant "safe" for 20 more years

The Borssele nuclear plant is safe enough to remain open for 20 more years until 2033, decided the Council of State, dismissing the objections Greenpeace had made. Greenpeace objected against extending the 1973 license with 20 years, because the inspection of the wear and tear of parts would not be reliable, and safety margins for the reactor vessel would not be sufficient.

The Council of State ruled the environmental organization failed to support their claims with evidence. The House still needs to vote on the matter, but CDA, VVD, D66 and LPF support the decision. PvdA is enraged. Because the covenant establishes by law that any expenses are for the government, future cabinets would have a hard time deciding to close the plant after all. If the plant would need to close due to a change in international laws for instance, the government would have to reimburse any losses and investments to the shareholders, Delta and Essent. The nuclear plant will be 60 years old by 2033. The life-span of a nuclear plant is 40 years at the most. The decision of the Council of State can not be appealed.