BESIX completes construction pit and foundations for PALLAS reactor (NL)

BESIX Nederland proudly announces the successful completion of the construction pit and foundations for the revolutionary PALLAS reactor, a project that represents a cornerstone for the future of nuclear medicine. Situated in the Petten dunes of North Holland, this reactor secures the continuity of the production of medical isotopes for 30,000 patients worldwide every day, ensuring their access to life-saving treatments.

Precision engineering in a unique landscape

Transforming a sandy expanse into a robust foundation capable of supporting a nuclear reactor is a challenge. BESIX’s work involved the excavation of 30 diaphragm walls, the installation of 162 steel pipes with anchoring shafts, and the drilling of 380 foundation piles to a depth of -47 NAP. Before this we also poured a underwater concrete floor of 1,5m thick. Every step of the process faced extraordinary challenges, from the stringent safety requirements of working on a nuclear site to preserving the delicate coastal environment surrounding the construction area. BESIX leveraged decades of expertise in engineering and construction to deliver a project that adheres to the highest quality and safety standards.

This unique construction project brought together all our expertise and innovation. Both technically and in terms of the strict security of a nuclear site and the construction area surrounded by the dune region. This all required additional considerations in how we had to carry out the work. I look back with satisfaction on how we executed this challenging work together with NRG PALLAS and our partners; this was work at Champions League level.

Nic De Roeck

Managing Director, BESIX Nederland

PALLAS: building the future of nuclear medicine

The PALLAS reactor is critical to global healthcare. With the aging High Flux Reactor (HFR) chances of unforeseen failures are increasing, which necessitates increasingly intense maintenance to limit the risk of disruption in the supply of medical isotopes. These isotopes are instrumental in diagnosing and treating cancer, heart diseases, and other conditions. Recognizing this urgent need, the NRG PALLAS initiative aims to ensure uninterrupted access to nuclear medicine for patients around the world. The PALLAS-reactor is designed to withstand even the most extreme conditions, underscoring the importance of robust foundations like those BESIX has now completed. This phase lays the groundwork for the next chapter of the reactor’s construction, ensuring it will remain a reliable source of medical isotopes for decades to come.

BESIX’s role: expertise, collaboration, and commitment

BESIX Nederland, alongside Franki Grondtechnieken, has been at the forefront of this landmark project since its inception. Our integrated approach combined BESIX’s mastery in concrete work with Franki’s specialization in complex foundation techniques. This collaboration exemplifies how diverse expertise can come together to achieve remarkable results. The project demanded meticulous coordination and continuous communication among all stakeholders, including PALLAS, BESIX, and subcontractors. Regular discussions fostered trust, mutual understanding, and a shared commitment to meeting the extraordinary standards required for a nuclear construction site.

Peter Dijk, programme director and management member of NRG PALLAS, praised BESIX Nederland’s contributions: "BESIX has been a reliable partner from the start, offering invaluable expertise. Their efforts form a solid base for the next phases of construction. The PALLAS-reactor is of vital importance for the production of medical isotopes, which will help millions of patients in the future."

Read more about the project on the PALLAS website.