Scalda, HZ University of Applied Sciences, EPZ, COVRA, and the Nuclear Academy (a collaboration between NRG Pallas and TU Delft) will be working together over the coming years on a regional learning and research infrastructure around nuclear energy. They are doing this within the framework of Nucleus, a three-year project funded by the Just Transition Fund (JTF) of the European Union and the Province of Zeeland.
The energy transition presents major challenges for the energy and industrial sector in Zeeland. Companies want to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and work more with circular raw materials. For the Netherlands, nuclear energy is one of the means towards a climate-neutral Europe that is less dependent on external raw materials.
Reactor simulator
Zeeland is the intended location for two new nuclear power plants. There are also initiatives for the construction of small modular reactors. The need for well-trained personnel is therefore increasing. The NUCLEUS project (Nuclear Education using Simulators in Zeeland) addresses that need. The project is part of the Energy Campus Zeeland, run by Scalda, HZ and Dockwize. Over the coming years, the participants in NUCLEUS will create a learning and research environment centred on nuclear energy. An important component of this is the development of a new, educational reactor simulator and a number of serious games. There will also be so-called learning stations, where students can collaborate on nuclear issues. In addition, Scalda's immersive classroom will be used for nuclear education. Through these resources, students and professionals will learn in a clear, realistic way about important topics such as radiation safety and emergency procedures.
Nuclear modules
New nuclear modules are set to strengthen existing programmes. The five partners aim to train or upskill 100 students and 25 professionals each year. The consortium wants to enrich the existing Energy Campus Zeeland with a nuclear education environment, so that sufficient numbers of qualified personnel can be trained.
The project has a budget of over 8.2 million euro and runs until 30 June 2029.
