Internship | Integrating Nuclear Power into a Renewable-Heavy Grid

About this position

Do you want to contribute to the energy transition by analysing how Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and large nuclear reactors can be integrated into a congested, renewable-heavy power grid?

SMRs are increasingly recognised as a promising technology to support reliable, low-carbon energy systems. Unlike conventional large nuclear power plants, SMRs offer greater operational flexibility and can adapt their electricity and heat output to changing system conditions. This flexibility allows nuclear generation to complement intermittent renewable sources such as wind and solar, while contributing to grid stability and industrial decarbonisation.

As new nuclear capacity is added to the grid, understanding its interaction with network constraints becomes essential. Nuclear generation, in both baseload and flexible modes, can influence congestion patterns, system stability, and the need for network reinforcements. Through capabilities such as load-following, frequency regulation, and voltage support, nuclear plants can help manage congestion and stabilise prices, particularly when coupled with storage or hydrogen production. Mapping these effects at the high-voltage level, and comparing how SMRs and large reactors each perform under different grid and market conditions, is a key step towards designing a robust nuclear deployment strategy.

What will be your role?

In this internship/thesis project, you will investigate how SMRs and large nuclear reactors can be integrated into the future electricity grid, with a focus on grid congestion management and system-level value. Your work will combine power-system analysis with the flexibility characteristics of nuclear generation.

You will explore how nuclear plants can provide flexibility services, load-following, frequency and voltage support, while interacting with renewable generation, electrification, and industrial energy demand. Particular attention will be given to grid

congestion in key regions and to the role of nuclear in supporting the electrification of industrial clusters such as the Rotterdam area.

The project will include one or more of the following research directions:

• Mapping grid congestion patterns and identifying bottlenecks at the high-voltage level.

• Assessing the impact of nuclear operation (baseload and flexible modes) on congestion management and system stability.

• Evaluating required network reinforcements and associated investments under different scenarios.

• Analysing the interaction between nuclear, renewables, electrification, hydrogen, and storage.

• Simulating market dispatch under network constraints and assessing price formation, congestion effects, and the operational value of flexibility.

• Comparing the system value and flexibility contributions of SMRs versus large reactors, and the conditions under which each technology performs optimally.

What we expect from you

We are looking for a motivated M.Sc. student with a strong interest in electrical power systems, grid integration, and nuclear energy. This internship is particularly suitable for students who enjoy combining theoretical research with practical modelling and simulation work.

Requirements:

You are in the final phase of your master's degree in a field related to:

• Electrical Engineering / Power Systems

• Energy Systems Engineering

• Modeling and optimization

• Nuclear Science

• or a closely related discipline

We also expect:

• Understanding of electrical power systems, grid operation, and/or power markets.

• Experience with modelling and simulation tools.

• Familiarity with optimization techniques and numerical methods.

• Programming experience in Python, MATLAB, Julia, Modelica, or similar languages.

• Interest in integrated energy systems and industrial decarbonisation.

The duration of this internship/thesis project is between 6 and 12 months.

What you'll get in return

An internship at TNO means working in an environment where substance and impact are central. You will become part of a knowledge organisation where research and practice come together, and where experts collaborate on solutions to current societal and technological challenges.

Your internship is a period in which you can discover what suits you, where your strengths lie and what you would like to learn next. You are part of a professional working environment, gain insight into how things work in practice, and have the opportunity to build experience that goes beyond this internship alone. For many students, an internship is therefore also a first step in discovering whether TNO could be a potential next step after graduation.

In addition, we offer you:

• A professional and innovative internship environment in which you actively contribute to societal and technological challenges, working alongside leading experts in your field.
• Personal and dedicated supervision, with focus on your learning objectives, development and study assignment.
• Room to develop: you gain relevant work experience, develop both your subject‑specific and professional skills, and build a valuable network.
• Use of a laptop and the facilities you need to perform your work effectively.
• A monthly internship allowance of €615 for a full-time internship, for MSc, BSc and vocational education (MBO) students.
• Up to eight hours of leave per internship month for a full-time internship, allowing you to balance your internship with your studies and personal life.
• A contribution towards travel expenses if you are not entitled to a student travel card.
• A free membership to Jong TNO: the network for young colleagues, where you can meet other TNO colleagues and participate in sports activities, professional and personal development activities, and social events such as the annual ski trip.

TNO as an employer

Our people are at the heart of TNO. Their curiosity, expertise and entrepreneurial mindset make it possible to deliver high-impact research and innovations that contribute to society’s sustainable wellbeing and prosperity. That is why we invest in an inspiring and inclusive working environment where colleagues can excel, have autonomy and continue to grow.

Your talent and ambition have every opportunity to flourish at TNO. You work with experts (both within and beyond TNO), have access to advanced technology and the freedom to explore, experiment and innovate. Our strength lies in independence, reliability and collaboration. We find each other in wonder and ingenuity. We are driven to push boundaries. By working with businesses and government, and by connecting different perspectives, we strengthen our innovative capability and create responsible, meaningful results.

At TNO, we believe this is our time to help society, government and business move forward faster. Together with driven colleagues, you turn knowledge into concrete innovations or ventures that truly make a difference by combining the power of science and entrepreneurship. And in doing so, you make your mark on our time.

The selection process

You can apply for this internship position until the 28th of August, 2026. After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation by email.

TNO will arrange an appropriate internship agreement. If you have any questions about the content of the internship or the application procedure, you can contact the person listed below.

If you start an internship with us, we will also ask you to provide a Certificate of Conduct (VOG).

Important to know before applying:

• Before the start of the internship, an internship agreement must be signed. For students enrolled at a Dutch university or university of applied sciences, TNO uses the UNL-template (opens in a new window or tab) (refers to a different website) , supplemented with several TNO‑specific agreements. For students from foreign educational institutions and MBO (secondary vocational education) programmes, the TNO internship agreement applies. TNO does not sign any other internship agreements.

• Before the start of the internship, the educational institution will need to confirm in writing that:

  • you are enrolled at the educational institution for the duration of the internship, and;
  • the internship forms part of your study programme.

The confirmation of educational institution takes place by signing the UNL template or forms prepared by TNO.

• Interns at TNO must have a registered residential address in the Netherlands at the start of the internship. Carrying out internship activities from abroad is not possible.
• Are you an international student? Please note that you must have a BSN (Dutch citizen service number) before the start of your internship. Applying for a BSN can take several weeks, so make sure to start this process well in advance. Has this job opening sparked your interest?

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Then we’d like to hear from you! Please contact us for more information about the job or the selection process. To apply, please upload your CV and covering letter using the ‘