Emden’s mayor Tim Kruithoff opposes the possible construction of new nuclear power plants near the German border. In a statement to the German Press Agency published on 15 November 2026, the independent politician said his position was based on the long-term risks of nuclear energy and its potential consequences for Emden, with the Ems and the Wadden Sea. He called for the interests of people on the German side to be taken seriously in Dutch planning.
The Dutch government is looking for sites for at least two new nuclear power plants. One candidate is Eemshaven at the mouth of the Ems, opposite the East Frisian coast. Also under consideration is Terneuzen in the province of Zeeland. No decision on a site had been made by 15 November 2026. According to the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs, a decision was due by the end of 2026; it is unclear whether this timetable will be met.
Kruithoff acknowledges that the Netherlands makes its own decisions on energy policy. At the same time, he warns against disregarding possible cross-border effects: a serious nuclear accident could also affect people and the environment beyond the national border. He says his opposition applies both to large reactors and to small modular reactors.
According to Kruithoff, the city of Emden has so far not been directly involved in specific site or construction plans. However, in 2025 it submitted written objections to nuclear power plants in two broader Dutch spatial planning procedures. A statement from the city dated 15 December 2025, published in a Dutch public consultation collection, confirms this fundamental opposition.
There are also reservations in Lower Saxony . The state government had already communicated its opposition in Dutch consultation procedures, NDR reported, citing the environment ministry. Minister-President Olaf Lies told the German Press Agency that he viewed a new nuclear power plant in Eemshaven with scepticism. Lower Saxony is focusing on expanding renewable energy.
The citizens’ initiative Clean Air East Frisia is concerned not only about the consequences of a possible accident but also about routine operations. In comments to the news agency, it pointed to possible additional heat pollution if cooling water were discharged into the outer Ems. This is a concern raised by the initiative, not an established impact of a power plant that has already been approved.
The Dutch government takes a different view of the contribution of nuclear energy. Its Ministry of Economic Affairs told NDR that it could provide a reliable supply of electricity even when there is little wind or sunshine. In the ministry’s view, factors in favour of Eemshaven include its connection to the high-voltage grid and its proximity to cooling water.
Different views on security of supply and environmental risks are therefore in contention in the region. For Emden, the immediate question is whether Eemshaven will actually be selected and how German authorities will be involved in the further assessment. The site search so far has not resulted in a decision to build or bring a plant into operation.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).