Public trust in nuclear energy requires adaptive policy

<div><p>How can policy address both concerns and opportunities surrounding nuclear energy? TNO explored how trust can be built and sustained within society.</p><p>Read the <a itemtype="1" pagetype="news" class="siteLink ptnews" resolved="true" href="https://www.tno.nl/en/newsroom/2025/04/public-trust-nuclear-energy-approach/">report</a>.</p></div>

Small nuclear reactors in the energy system

<div><p>New generations of small modular reactors (SMRs) can contribute to flexibility and energy security. This research highlights the role they may play in future energy provision.</p><p>Read the <a itemtype="1" pagetype="news" class="siteLink ptnews" resolved="true" href="https://www.tno.nl/en/newsroom/2024/11/small-modular-reactors-dutch-energy/">report</a>.</p></div>

<div><ul> <li><strong>Integration of nuclear energy in the energy system</strong> – How nuclear energy can be combined with renewable sources (Martin Scheepers).</li> <li><strong>Nuclear energy and system costs</strong> – Insights into the impact of nuclear energy on the costs of the energy system (Aart Kooiman).</li> </ul></div>

Nuclear energy in our future energy system

Thema:: Energy transition pathways

10 September 2025

The energy transition poses challenges for the Netherlands and Europe: how can we ensure a reliable, affordable, and carbon-free energy supply? Nuclear energy can play a significant role in this. Alongside renewable sources such as wind, solar, and geothermal heat, nuclear energy provides a constant supply of electricity, enhances energy security, and helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions. For policymakers, businesses, and citizens, it is therefore essential to understand the opportunities, challenges, and implications of nuclear energy within the energy system.

Our role: impactful and forward-thinking

TNO develops knowledge and models to assess the impact of nuclear energy within the energy system. We combine innovations with technical, economic, and societal aspects, offering policymakers and businesses clear insights into the economic and social rationale.

As an independent knowledge partner, we support decision-making that steers the energy transition, with a focus on safety, affordability, and sustainability.

Knowledge on opportunities, safety, and risks

In addition to technological and economic factors, TNO also examines reliability. We analyse the consequences for people, the environment, and the energy system, and outline the conditions required for the safe deployment of nuclear energy. In doing so, we provide independent knowledge that enables policymakers and market participants to make well-informed decisions.

Recent and upcoming research

How can policy address both concerns and opportunities surrounding nuclear energy? TNO explored how trust can be built and sustained within society.

Read the report.

New generations of small modular reactors (SMRs) can contribute to flexibility and energy security. This research highlights the role they may play in future energy provision.

Read the report.

TNO investigated the potential contribution of nuclear energy to regional energy transitions, with a specific focus on North Brabant.

Integration of nuclear energy in the energy system – How nuclear energy can be combined with renewable sources (Martin Scheepers).
Nuclear energy and system costs – Insights into the impact of nuclear energy on the costs of the energy system (Aart Kooiman).

Collaboration with government, Europe, and industry

The role of nuclear energy in the energy transition requires broadly supported decisions. TNO collaborates with ministries, provinces, municipalities, and European partners to explore scenarios and support policy development.

In partnership with companies and market players, we also analyse opportunities, conditions, and risks. This integrated approach brings together innovation, policy, and society.

Work with us

Would you like to learn more about nuclear energy in the energy transition or collaborate on research and innovation? Contact TNO and discover how we can create impact together for a reliable and sustainable energy supply in the Netherlands and Europe.