Zeeland, 28 August 2025 – The European Union has awarded €10 million from the Just Transition Fund (JTF) to Project ZILT, a consortium led by Thorizon, a Dutch-French developer of molten salt small modular reactors (SMRs). The project brings together EPZ (operator of the Borssele nuclear power plant), Zeeland-based manufacturers Schelde Exotech and Delmeco, and the regional knowledge institutions HZ University of Applied Sciences and Scalda. Together, the partners will support the decarbonization of Zeeland’s industry and lay the groundwork for the first molten salt reactor in the Netherlands. The project has been developed with the support of regional development agency Impuls Zeeland.

Regional collaboration, European impact

With this grant, the European Union’s Just Transition Fund recognizes a challenge facing many industrial regions: how to reduce carbon emissions while keeping industries competitive and protecting jobs.. Project ZILT will advance the Thorizon One molten salt reactor, a new type of small modular reactor with the potential to play an important role in Europe’s energy transition. Molten salt reactors can:

• Provide reliable, cost-competitive, CO₂-free power to complement renewables
• Deliver high-temperature heat and hydrogen for heavy industry
• Recycle long-lived nuclear waste into new fuel
• Operate with important safety advantages thanks to their liquid-fuel design

By developing this technology in Zeeland, with its nuclear know-how, manufacturing base, and committed knowledge institutions, Project ZILT helps create a solid foundation for future advanced nuclear deployment across Europe.

From development to deployment

Project ZILT will deliver key building blocks for Thorizon’s MSR deployment in Zeeland and Europe, including:

• Civil concept design and cost estimate, preparing for future construction
• Exploration of a non-nuclear test facility at nuclear operator EPZ in Borssele
• Design and testing of reactor components with Zeeland-based manufacturers Schelde Exotech and Delmeco
• Applied research and education through HZ University of Applied Sciences and Scalda, building the next generation of nuclear talent

Thorizon is pleased to work with best-in-class partners and is now seeking to extend its network with additional partners from engineering, construction and industry to strengthen the civil works phase—ensuring the design is robust, internationally credible, and ready to scale across Europe.

Jo-Annes de Bat, Deputy for the Province of Zeeland: “With this project we underline Zeeland’s innovative strength as an energy region. By combining the expertise of Thorizon, EPZ and the regional manufacturing industry, we reinforce our economic position and our contribution to a sustainable European energy system.”

Kiki Lauwers, CEO Thorizon: “With Project ZILT we are laying the foundation for the first molten salt reactor in Zeeland. Our SMR can deliver both electricity and high-temperature heat, which are essential for industrial decarbonisation. Zeeland offers the right conditions: EPZ’s nuclear expertise, a strong manufacturing base, and committed knowledge institutions. We now invite new partners to join us, so we can prepare together for construction and future European deployment.”

About the Just Transition Fund

The Just Transition Fund (JTF) is a European fund that supports regions most affected by the transition to a climate-neutral economy. For the Netherlands, €623 million has been made available. The fund helps regions such as Zeeuws-Vlaanderen and Vlissingen-Oost to invest in new economic activity, sustainable energy, and education.

About EPZ

EPZ produces CO₂-neutral electricity and makes an important contribution to climate objectives. EPZ has operated the Borssele nuclear power plant for more than 50 years and aims to be actively involved in future nuclear plans as a knowledge holder, operator, and licensee. With its expertise and infrastructure, EPZ can play a key role in the development of new technologies.

About Thorizon

Thorizon, originally a spin-off from NRG, is now an ambitious deep-tech startup with offices in Amsterdam and Lyon. The company sees small modular nuclear reactors as an ideal, stable, and clean complement to an energy system increasingly reliant on wind and solar power. Thorizon is developing a "walk-away safe" molten salt reactor that uses long-lived nuclear waste as fuel, taking a step toward circularity. Thorizon collaborates with industry leaders such as Orano, VDL Groep, Tractebel, EPZ and EDF, its project has been selected by the European Commission and the French government under the France 2030 investment plan.

About Schelde Exotech

Schelde Exotech, part of the international PTD Group, designs and manufactures high-end process equipment for multiple sectors. It supports these sectors in their energy transition with equipment such as heat exchangers and reactors made from exotic metal alloys. With its long-standing experience in the nuclear industry and specific expertise in heat exchangers, Schelde Exotech will make an important contribution to the Thorizon project.