NUCLEAR RESEARCH AND CONSULTANCY GROUP

Their core work

NRG is the Netherlands' primary nuclear research and consultancy organization, based at the Petten reactor site. They specialize in nuclear safety analysis, radioactive waste management, nuclear fuel performance testing, and reactor technology support. Their work spans from fundamental irradiation experiments on nuclear fuels to applied safety assessments for existing and future nuclear power plants. They also provide independent technical expertise on geological disposal of radioactive waste and contribute to European joint programmes shaping nuclear research strategy.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In the early H2020 period (2015-2017), NRG's work centred on reactor safety — particularly severe accident management and melt retention for nuclear power plants, alongside thermal hydraulics for metal-cooled reactors. From 2017 onward, their portfolio broadened significantly into nuclear fuel performance modelling, probabilistic safety assessment under natural hazards, and radioactive waste management. The most recent projects (2019-2024) show a clear shift toward waste lifecycle management and European-level research coordination, suggesting NRG is positioning itself as an integrator across the nuclear safety-to-disposal chain.

NRG is moving from reactor-focused safety work toward full nuclear lifecycle coverage, with increasing involvement in European joint programming for waste disposal and materials research.

How they like to work

NRG operates exclusively as a participant or third party — they have never coordinated an H2020 project, preferring to contribute specialist expertise within larger consortia. With 373 unique partners across 34 countries, they are deeply embedded in the European nuclear research network and comfortable working in large, multi-national collaborations. Their consistent role as a trusted technical contributor rather than a project leader makes them a reliable, low-friction partner to bring into consortia.

NRG has collaborated with 373 unique partners across 34 countries, making them one of the most broadly connected nuclear research organizations in Europe. Their network spans nearly every EU member state plus associated countries, reflecting deep integration in pan-European nuclear research infrastructure.

What sets them apart

NRG combines hands-on irradiation testing capability (at the Petten High Flux Reactor site) with consultancy-grade safety analysis, a rare combination in Europe. Unlike university labs focused on fundamental research, NRG bridges experimental nuclear science and applied engineering for both existing plants and next-generation reactor concepts. For consortium builders, they bring credibility as an independent Dutch nuclear institute with access to irradiation infrastructure that few European partners can match.

Highlights from their portfolio

• SESAME
  Largest single EC contribution (EUR 628,000) — thermal hydraulics simulations for metal-cooled reactor safety, reflecting NRG's core experimental capabilities.
• INSPYRE
  Second-largest funding (EUR 450,000) and directly tied to MOX fuel licensing for next-generation ESNII reactors, combining modelling with irradiation experiments.
• EURAD
  Part of the flagship European Joint Programme on Radioactive Waste Management, positioning NRG in the long-term strategic direction of European nuclear waste disposal.