PALLAS has chosen BESIX as the contractor to build the pit and foundation for the PALLAS reactor. Following the tender procedure, the contract was recently signed with BESIX. BESIX has a strong reputation when it comes to complex projects and is known for the innovative way in which it integrates engineering and construction in its processes. “We have every confidence that BESIX is the right partner for this phase of the project,” says Sietsche Eppinga, Construction Director PALLAS.
Works
BESIX is to start work on the mobilisation of the work site during the first quarter of 2023. After that, work will start on the construction of the pit and foundation for the PALLAS-reactor. The works are expected to be completed during the 3rd quarter of 2024.
“We are happy to be able to contribute to a project with huge social impact and importance to 30,000 patients a day who are dependent on medical isotopes from the Netherlands. Our whole team is looking forward to a pleasant and enjoyable working relationship with PALLAS,” says Nic De Roeck, Managing Director BESIX Nederland.
Sustainability with respect for nature
Because of the proximity of the Zwanenwater en Pettemerduinen nature reserve, all works on the Energy & Health Campus will be carried out in accordance with a nature permit. For instance, amphibian fencing has been installed, bat boxes have been put up and work will be carried out based on an ecological work protocol. Ultimately, after the completion of construction, environmental and natural values will be restored and – where possible – improved. A habitat for protected species will be added according to the protocol that has been drawn up with ecologists.
PALLAS project
On Budget Day (‘Prinsjesdag’), the government made the decision to reserve funding for PALLAS andit was also agreed that the preparations for the work site could be continued. The final decisions on the full funding of the project are expected to be made in spring 2023.
If you have any questions on the works or other matters relating to the PALLAS-reactor, please contact communications@pallasreactor.com
More about NRG|PALLAS
NRG is the world’s leading researcher into new nuclear technologies. NRG uses the HFR to produce medical isotopes used by doctors all over the world for the diagnosis and treatment of life-threatening diseases. 30,000 patients a day are dependent on medical isotopes from the Netherlands. In order to be able to ensure security of supply in the future, preparations for the construction of thePALLAS-reactor are currently being worked on. In April 2020, the NRG Foundation and Pallas Reactor Preparation Foundation formed a personal union. The objective of the Pallas Reactor Preparation Foundation (PALLAS) is to realise a state-of-the-art multifunctional reactor designed for the production of (medical) isotopes and performance of nuclear technology research. This reactor is to replace the current High Flux Reactor (HFR) in Petten (NL). PALLAS was set up on 16 December 2013 with the objective of preparing a design, obtaining the necessary permits and organising funding for the construction and commissioning of the PALLAS-reactor. The PALLAS-reactor will play a crucial role in the supply chain for radiopharmaceutical products worldwide and in nuclear technology research. These radiopharmaceutical products can be used to diagnose and treat millions of people with cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
For more information, please contact Bieke Oskam, NRG|PALLAS Press Officer. Tel. +31 (0)647401511, communications@pallasreactor.com . www.nrg.eu www.pallasreactor.com
About BESIX The Netherlands
BESIX is a multidisciplinary construction company with a decades-long track record of innovative and industry-leading projects in the Netherlands. The company, which is part of the worldwide-operating BESIX Group, is involved in diverse projects: building construction, civil engineering, waterways construction, the environment and asset management. An in-house engineering department in Brussels enables BESIX to design and execute complex and unique projects, primarily in terms of complex technical aspects. For more information: www.besix.nl. More information: communications@besix.com