The mayor sees that there is still little certainty about the expected decision. Government sources report that there are plans to build two new nuclear power plants in the municipality, where there is already one functioning plant. The two new plants are expected to be built in 2035. ‘We have support for nuclear energy. I also understand that Borssele is in development. But it also has to do with the aftermath of those two power plants, because our residents are concerned about that.”
Dijksterhuis notes that people are afraid that Borssele will become some kind of electricity-producing municipality, full of industry. ‘It’s not just nuclear power that’s coming here, but offshore wind power as well as all the other developments like converter stations. This also means that high voltage lines have to be added. But we have a beautiful nature reserve, across which we don’t want new high-voltage lines. There are concerns there.’
Jetten visits Borssele
There is also concern about the quality of life in Borssele. ‘A buildup of all this activity in our region has our residents watching with concern. That’s why I say that I understand the development and the opportunities, but that the concerns of the inhabitants must be taken seriously.’
This Friday, Minister Rob Jetten (Climate and Energy) will visit Borssele, where the arrival of the power plants will be announced. “I know the minister takes the interests of the surrounding area seriously. (…). I assume we can have that conversation in a good way,’ says Dijksterhuis.