Dutch Research Council Invites Consortia to Develop Advanced Nuclear Reactors and Fuels

Dutch Research Council Invites Consortia to Develop Advanced Nuclear Reactors and Fuels

(IN BRIEF) The Dutch Research Council (NWO) has launched a new €6.1 million funding call to support research into innovative nuclear reactors and advanced nuclear fuels, as part of the Netherlands’ broader strategy to strengthen nuclear energy as a low-carbon complement to renewables. The call invites public-private consortia to explore Generation IV reactors, advanced modular reactors and micro-reactors, with a strong focus on safety, materials performance under extreme conditions and monitoring technologies. Industry collaboration and co-funding are required, and participants will take part in intensive preparatory workshops ahead of the proposal deadline in June 2026. The initiative marks the first call under the Dutch nuclear energy research programme, which aims to build a strong national knowledge base to support future nuclear development.

(PRESS RELEASE) EINDHOVEN, 16-Dec-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — The Netherlands is taking steps to strengthen its future energy system by investing in research and innovation in nuclear energy, recognising its role as a stable, affordable and low-CO₂ complement to renewable sources such as wind and solar. To support this ambition, the Dutch Research Council (NWO) has launched a new funding call focused on advancing next-generation nuclear reactor technologies and innovative nuclear fuel concepts.

Under the call titled Technology for innovative nuclear reactors and nuclear fuels, NWO is inviting public-private consortia to conduct research into Generation IV nuclear reactors, advanced modular reactors (AMRs), micro-reactors and novel fuel technologies. The call places a strong emphasis on reactor safety, materials research under extreme operating conditions, and advanced monitoring systems that can enhance reliability and performance during reactor operation.

Collaboration between research institutions and industry partners is a central requirement of the programme. Participating companies are expected to contribute at least 5 percent co-funding, which may be provided in cash or in kind through personnel, facilities, expertise or access to infrastructure. This approach is intended to ensure that research outcomes remain closely aligned with practical, real-world applications and the needs of the nuclear sector.

Approximately €6.1 million has been allocated to this call, with one research proposal expected to receive funding. To facilitate strong consortium formation and high-quality proposals, NWO will organise multi-day, intensive “casco workshops” in March 2026. These workshops are designed to help participants form new collaborations, refine research ideas and jointly develop a competitive proposal. Attendance at the workshops is mandatory for organisations intending to submit a final application.

Applications to participate in the preparatory workshops must be submitted by 29 January 2026, while full research proposals must be submitted by 30 June 2026. Workshop applications are submitted per organisation through NWO’s ISAAC application system and must clearly outline the organisation’s intended contributions, expertise, facilities and desired outcomes.

The call forms part of the broader Dutch nuclear energy research programme established by NWO to support the Netherlands’ long-term nuclear ambitions. Funded by the Ministry of Climate and Green Growth and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, the programme aims to build a robust, future-proof knowledge base and research infrastructure. Following this initial call, subsequent funding rounds will focus on radiation protection as well as radioactive waste management and final disposal. 

Media Contact:

Jennifer Bendsneijder
Spokesperson
+31 6 47141061
pers@nwo.nl

SOURCE: The Dutch Research Council (NWO)