Problems with the energy supply
RIVM postpones move to Science Park once again
The RIVM building has been waiting for staff for years. Photo: DUB
The plan was for the new building to be ready for use this autumn. However, staff at the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) have been told that the move will not go ahead for now.
This is not the first time the move to Utrecht Science Park has been postponed. According to the original schedule, the building was supposed to be occupied in 2018. The plans fell through when they learned the building needed additional work to prevent tram vibrations from affecting measuring equipment. The coronavirus pandemic also caused delays.
Last summer, new problems were discovered, this time with the security systems. Nevertheless, RIVM still assumed it could move there by 2026 at the latest. Once again, that will not go through.
According to a spokesperson, several factors make a move impossible right now, including grid congestion. DUB previously reported that the institute has been forced to use gas generators due to problems on Utrecht's electricity grid. However, the delivery of the associated battery pack, intended to store electricity, has been delayed.
In addition, a spokesperson said stricter safety requirements have now been introduced, requiring additional measures. Furthermore, in recent years, RIVM has started using laboratory equipment that was not taken into account in the building’s design. For this reason, several further adjustments will be necessary.
The spokesperson cannot say when the 2,000 or so RIVM staff members will start working at Utrecht Science Park.
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