Pension fund PME wants to invest in nuclear power

Pension fund PME wants to invest in nuclear energy. This was said by chairman Eric Uijen in the program Nieuwsuur on Thursday night. The reason is that renewable energy is not being provided at a quick enough pace, said Uijen.

The pension fund researched whether the participating companies would approve of such an investment. Around 63 percent said yes. "The sentiment towards nuclear energy was different at first, but it is turning," said Uijen to Nieuwsuur.

PME primarily aims for a suitable financial return through its investment in nuclear energy. The chairman admitted that this was the main priority. However, PME also believes that a livable future world is important. Nuclear energy contributes to reducing CO2 emissions. For the pension fund, that weighs more heavily than the problem of waste from nuclear power plants. Uijen sees that as "a manageable problem."

A tour of questions from Nieuwsuur showed that banks and insurers are still against nuclear energy. PMT's pension fund also disapproves of it.

However, PME wants to speak with the government. The Schoof Cabinet intends to build four nuclear power plants and wants mainly private investors to ensure this happens. PME has formulated a few conditions, including state participation in the investments. The pension fund also wants a return during construction. Building a nuclear power plant takes about 15 years and costs around 20 billion euros. Another condition is a fixed electricity price.

CDA leader Henri Bontenbal responded to the issue on X. "Courageous and important step from pension fund PME. I hope and expect other pension funds to also invest in nuclear energy. Nuclear energy is safe, CO2-free, and reliable, a good addition to a green and robust energy mix."