The Dutch Government has removed Maasvlakte II from the shortlist of potential locations for the construction of two new nuclear power plants, according to a parliamentary letter published on 19 June 2026.
The west side of Prinses Alexiahaven had been one of seven locations under assessment as part of the national site selection process.
However, the government confirmed the Rotterdam port area will no longer be considered for the project.
Several factors contributed to the decision, including ground conditions, nitrogen restrictions, cooling water availability and Natura 2000 environmental requirements.
Authorities also concluded that integrating two nuclear plants into the electricity grid at Maasvlakte II would be complex and costly from an energy system perspective.
The decision also reflects growing pressure on land use across Maasvlakte II, where several major infrastructure and energy projects are already planned.
READ: Port of Rotterdam hosts leaders for energy and defence talks
These include the Offshore Wind Grid Connections Programme (VAWOZ) and studies into a potential future seaward expansion of the port area.
The proposed nuclear development had previously raised concerns within the port sector due to the potential impact of a prolonged construction phase on surrounding logistics and industrial operations.
In its earlier response to the Memorandum on Scope and Level of Detail, the Port of Rotterdam Authority stated that the location was unsuitable for nuclear power development due to the operational disruption large-scale construction activity could create across the wider port complex.
The Port of Rotterdam Authority said it will now further review the government’s latest letter and its implications for future development across Maasvlakte II.
For more information:
Port of Rotterdam – https://www.portofrotterdam.com/en
