The PALLAS reactor will replace the 45MWt High Flux Reactor (HFR), operational since September 1960. Initially used for materials testing, the HFR, managed by NRG for the European Union’s Joint Research Centre, now supports fundamental research and produces medical radioisotopes, meeting 60% of Europe’s and 30% of the world’s demand. The PALLAS reactor will enhance neutron flux efficiency compared to its predecessor.
Two years after the first concrete pour in May 2023, the construction pit—50 meters square and 17.5 meters deep—is nearly complete. This pit forms a critical foundation for the reactor building. The pit’s base includes 790 tonnes of steel reinforcement bars, layered to support a 1.5-meter-thick concrete foundation floor, to be poured in five stages.
In February 2023, the Nuclear & Radiation Protection Authority (ANVS) issued a construction license, and Rijkswaterstaat granted a Water Act permit for cooling water management. The Ministry of Health, Welfare & Sport directed PALLAS to proceed with preparations to maintain project momentum.
Belgian firm BESIX, contracted in November 2022, has led the construction pit work. Spanish company FCC Construcción, appointed General Contractor in December 2023, will oversee the reactor building and other structures, taking over from BESIX in 2025. The reactor’s design is provided by ICHOS, a long-term partner. Upcoming tasks include establishing a staff office for 250 workers, initiating reactor construction, and building the secondary cooling system.
Funding for the PALLAS reactor is in place, though a final government decision awaits Dutch parliamentary approval for a new state-owned company. The European Commission has approved a €2 billion ($2.17 billion) Dutch government measure under EU state aid rules to support the project.
The PALLAS reactor is poised to advance medical radioisotope production and research, contributing significantly to global healthcare and scientific innovation.
