Dutch Cabinet Supports Construction Of PALLAS Research Reactor

The Dutch Minister of Health, Welfare and Sport Ernst Kuipers recently announced, that money has been set aside for the construction of the PALLAS reactor in Petten, North Holland, in the coming years. The ministry is reserving 30 million euros for the project this year and 129 million euros per year from next year.

The arrival of the PALLAS reactor is important for many patients with often life-threatening diseases, such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases. These patients depend for their treatment and diagnosis on medical isotopes produced in Petten in the ageing High Flux Reactor. With the construction of a new reactor, patients can be helped again for many decades and contributes to research into a CO2-free energy supply.

Bertholt Leeftink, CEO NRG|PALLAS, said

This is a wonderful step. The new reactor is in the interest of security of supply of medical isotopes for patients worldwide and important for maintaining the Dutch nuclear knowledge infrastructure. The Netherlands has an extremely strong position in the global market for medical isotopes and nuclear technological research.

The financial reserves now set by the Cabinet for the coming years are considered by PALLAS a huge boost for nuclear medicine, knowledge and innovation and for the Netherlands. The Cabinet is expected to take a final decision on the remaining investment costs in spring 2023.

Read the full PALLAS Press Release.

Medical applications of nuclear technology are used all over the world. Every year, 30 million people benefit from a diagnostic procedure or treatment by nuclear medicine for at least 60 different pathologies – and these numbers are steadily increasing. New facilities like the PALLAS reactor are crucial in order to meet the rising global demand.

This year, the European Nuclear Society dedicated several events and activities focusing on nuclear medical applications and radioisotopes production and supply.

This one has been also the key topic of the Panel Discussion, opening the last European Research Reactor Conference (RRFM) in Budapest, 6-10 June 2022.

Moreover, last February ENS organised the webinar “Radioisotopes for life. Ensuring European supply – Stakeholders and opportunities”. The final report of the event and the video are available here.