Dutch State acquires majority stake in nuclear power station Borssele

24 September 2026

The Dutch State is increasing its stake in the Borssele nuclear power station by acquiring 70% of the shares in the Elektriciteits- en Produktiemaatschappij Zuid-Nederland (EPZ), the plant’s operator. The remaining 30% of the shares are held by German energy company RWE. The power plant generates 485 megawatts of CO2-free electricity. This is nearly equivalent to the electricity consumption of all residents of the Dutch provinces Zeeland and Noord-Brabant.

The State is acquiring the shares from the Province of Zeeland and the municipalities of Zeeland, with the aim of extending the operational lifetime of the power plant beyond 2033.

It is not yet definitely decided whether the power plant will remain in operation after 2033. The shareholders (RWE and the State) have yet to make an investment decision on this matter. In addition, EPZ must apply for a licence to keep the nuclear power plant in operation for a longer period. This requires amendment of the Nuclear Energy Act (Kernenergiewet). The Authority for Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection (ANVS) must then assess whether this can be done safely.

The transaction is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2026 and is subject to customary conditions and regulatory approvals.

Houthoff is advising the Dutch State on this transaction. The Houthoff team, led by Kirsten Berger, also includes Bas van der Mei, Yentl Coenradie, Gerrit Oosterhuis, Cornelie Castelein, David van Wamel, Marloes Brans, Jasmijn Harms, Zinke Lansink, Sander Peperkamp, Arno Boessenkool, Anouk de Brabander, Anouk Boutens, Myrthe Prinsze and Floor Kuiper.