Zeeland backs Dutch state’s planned purchase of Borssele nuclear stake

Zeeland’s provincial political groups have backed the sale of the Borssele nuclear power station to the Dutch state, saying the province will no longer face the financial and other risks of owning a stake in the plant. The state plans to buy shares held by the Zeeland Energy Holding Company (ZEH), which owns 70 per cent of the plant’s operator, EPZ. [1]

The province says the state will pay €158.5 million. ZEH’s €1.1 billion in assets will go to its current shareholders after the sale. The province owns half of ZEH; almost all of the rest is held by Zeeland municipalities. German energy company RWE will retain its 30 per cent stake in EPZ. [1]

D66 group leader Wouter Versluijs said his party had long argued for a sale, but questioned whether the shares could have fetched a higher price after energy prices rose sharply. He said he had “slightly mixed feelings” about the deal. BBB politician Berend Boone said the agreement was reached when energy prices were lower and welcomed the end of the province’s exposure to a volatile energy market. [1]

Borssele began operating in 1973 and was initially due to close in 2033. The Dutch government wants it to run until 2054 if it can do so safely. Provincial executive Daniëlle de Clerck said selling the shares would remove an obstacle to extending the plant’s life. VVD politician Marianne Reinders-Stijnman said a longer operating period would be good for nuclear maintenance and employment. [1]