Our latest annual report, in which we showcase the work carried out by the ANVS in 2024, is now online. Our conclusion: expertise is more important than ever. "At the ANVS, we are working hard to increase our own expertise,’ our board reports in the foreword. ‘However, the progress of new initiatives also depends heavily on the expertise available in the sector."
Medium-sized nuclear country
The 2024 Annual Report explains that the future that the ANVS must prepare for has changed. The government plans to build not 2, but 4 new nuclear power plants, plus there is interest in so-called small modular reactors, i.e. new types of small nuclear power plants. This means that the Netherlands is investing heavily in nuclear energy and, in the process, is evolving to become a medium-sized nuclear country. Because of this, we are having to invest more in the growth and development of the ANVS, for example, by taking on more staff and collaborating more internationally.
Expansion in nuclear medicine
The field of nuclear medicine is also constantly developing in the Netherlands. In 2024, we held preliminary consultations with a number of initiating parties regarding radiopharmaceutical production, which is intended to result in good, comprehensive licence applications. We monitored the PALLAS research reactor. This reactor, which produces medical isotopes, is currently under construction in Petten. Our task is to monitor the quality.
Safety requires expertise
Based on our statutory duties, we were involved in many more developments during 2024. What they all have in common is that safety demands expertise. Initiating parties must be able to accurately demonstrate to us that they can assure safety. Safety is their responsibility: we monitor them closely to ensure that they accept this responsibility. By doing so, the ANVS fosters radiation protection and nuclear safety in the Netherlands.
Improving all the time
We also critically assessed our own work and service provision in 2024. For example, we worked on the digital accessibility of this website and our ANVS service desk for professionals. We also improved the processes of the ANVS service desk, for example the ones for transport event reports. We are honing our internal work processes based on a data-driven approach. This is how we are improving our quality and efficiency.
Following advice
Part of continuous improvement involves asking our advisory board for advice, and processing the board’s solicited and unsolicited advice properly. The 2024 Annual Report sets out what their advice was on important topics and events during last year.
Curious about 2025?
Read our 2025 Annual Plan if you would like to know more about the work we are carrying out this year.