On Monday, September 8, caretaker minister Sophie Hermans of Climate and Green Growth paid a working visit to Zeeland. In the afternoon, she took a tour of the three locations being investigated for the possible construction of two new nuclear power plants.
On the way, she spoke with young people and representatives of village councils. She concluded her visit at De Stenge in Heinkenszand, where she engaged in discussions with participants from the participation processes of the municipalities of Terneuzen/Sluis, Vlissingen, and Borsele, as well as the Province of Zeeland.
She reflected at De Stenge on her tour and the conversations she had earlier that afternoon. She then received a brief explanation of how the municipalities and the province will actively involve residents and other parties in the coming period in setting conditions and opportunities regarding the possible arrival of new nuclear power plants and other energy projects. Finally, the minister engaged with attendees about their questions and concerns.
Seeing with one’s own eyes
Minister Sophie Hermans was clear about her preference for a location in Zeeland for the construction of two nuclear power plants: “I must examine all reasonable alternative locations, but if I have a choice, I choose a location in Zeeland.” She realizes that construction will have a significant impact on the surrounding area. “It helps to see with one’s own eyes what kind of environment such a plant would be in and what that means for the people who live there.” She expects that a preliminary decision on the location will be made after the summer of 2026.