Innovative Collaboration for Future-Proof Energy: DEMCON, Thorizon, and VDL Group Join Forces in Developing Molten Salt Reactor

The goal of the project is to demonstrate and validate the manufacturability, safety, and functionality of critical components and non-nuclear (sub)systems of these reactors. To achieve this, the companies aim to establish an advanced testing facility where these technologies can be developed and tested.

The partnership between DEMCON, Thorizon, and VDL Group was formalized in October during a visit by Minister Sophie Hermans (Climate and Green Growth) to DIFFER, a leading research institute in Eindhoven. During the visit, the consortium partners, along with DIFFER, signed a letter of intent to accelerate SMR technology development in the Netherlands.

Early December, the consortium reached a major milestone by submitting an ambitious grant application to the Province of Noord-Brabant. This application underlines the commitment of the involved parties to foster innovation and sustainable development in the region.

Momentum for Nuclear Innovation

The minister’s visit to Noord-Brabant focused on the energy transition, and specifically on hydrogen and nuclear energy. Opportunities for the region and its high-tech manufacturing industry were discussed. In 2021, the province of Noord-Brabant already started the innovation coalition ‘Nuclear Energy for the Future’ with the goal to leverage the manufacturing industry and research institutes in Noord-Brabant to accelerate the development of molten salt reactors (MSR’s). The Dutch government’s plans also assign a significant role to nuclear energy in the future energy mix. Recently, tech giants like Google, Amazon, and Meta have expressed interest in SMRs for powering data centers, aiming to meet the growing energy demands of AI while reducing CO₂ emissions. Both Google and Amazon recently announced strategic investments in nuclear technology.

Molten Salt Reactors: Sustainable Nuclear Technology

In the Netherlands, Thorizon is leading the development of a 100 MWe molten salt reactor – enough energy to power 250,000 households or a single data center. The Thorizon One reactor is "walk-away safe" and takes a crucial step toward circularity by using long-lived nuclear waste as fuel. The reactor has received support from the French government and has been selected as a key project by the European Commission. The DIFFER research institute supports the development of these reactors through its unique DICE research facility, where the interaction between corrosion, heat, and radiation is studied to optimize material choices.

Opportunity for the Dutch Manufacturing Industry

Historically, nuclear projects have been large-scale, one-off initiatives. The future, however, lies in developing small modular reactors built from individually manufactured components produced in series. This presents a unique opportunity for the Dutch high-tech manufacturing industry. With its extensive expertise in supply chain management e.g. for the semiconductor industry, the Dutch manufacturing industry can play a critical role in developing and producing advanced components and (sub)systems for nuclear applications.

Participating in this project will not only provide companies with valuable experience but also help them attain the qualifications needed to become part of the supply chain for SMRs and large-scale reactors planned in the Netherlands. This strengthens the competitiveness of the Dutch manufacturing sector, creates new jobs, and fosters innovation. The project aims to deliver several component prototypes and a test facility in Noord-Brabant within two and a half years.

"For Thorizon, this is a unique opportunity," says Kiki Lauwers, CEO of Thorizon. "Companies like VDL and DEMCON have unparalleled experience in realizing high-tech projects, from concept to prototype and serial production. During our collaboration with DIFFER, we have seen that Brabant offers world-class knowledge and facilities and can act quickly. With these partners, we share an ambitious and pragmatic mindset that is crucial for our development and successful collaboration."

About DEMCON

DEMCON (1,100+ employees) develops, produces, and supplies technology and innovative products. With locations in Best, Delft, Enschede, Groningen, Leiden, Maastricht, Münster (Germany), Tokyo (Japan), and Singapore, the company was created based on the passion of its founders to combine creativity and technical expertise to solve complex problems. These challenges are often technological and societal, directly or indirectly impacting people and their environments. DEMCON contributes to medical solutions, systems for safety, and sustainable innovations for water and energy. The company also fosters entrepreneurship and invests in talent and education. www.demcon.com

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. The company is working on reactor design and system prototypes, with plans to begin constructing its first reactor, Thorizon One, around 2030. Thorizon collaborates with industry leaders such as Orano, Tractebel, and EDF, and its project has been selected by the European Commission and the French government under the France 2030 investment plan. www.thorizon.com

About VDL Group

Power through collaboration – this is the foundation of VDL Group, an international industrial family-owned company headquartered in the Brainport region in Eindhoven. Founded in 1953, the company is now – 72 years later – led by the third generation of the Van der Leegte family, since 2017. With approximately 15,000 employees operating in 20 countries, VDL comprises over 100 subsidiaries, each with its own area of expertise, working closely together. The activities of these companies are organized into VDL’s “five worlds”: Hightech, Mobility, Energy, Infratech, and Foodtech. In 2023, the group achieved a combined annual turnover of €6.354 billion. www.vdlgroep.com

About DIFFER

DIFFER, the Dutch Institute for Fundamental Energy Research, conducts leading-edge research on fusion energy and chemical energy. The institute’s mission is to explore materials, processes, and systems for a sustainable global energy infrastructure. DIFFER boasts unique facilities where scientists can study energy transition materials. Based in Eindhoven, DIFFER is part of the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO). www.differ.nl