- EDF, Edison, and ENEA have committed to accelerating Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology through collaborative research on safety systems, new technologies, and cogeneration applications for industrial sectors.
- After decades of nuclear energy phase-out, Italy has reversed its stance, with the government now acknowledging the potential for new nuclear capacity in its energy mix as part of its decarbonization goals.
- New partnerships, including a focus on the Italian steel industry, aim to leverage SMR technology for decarbonization, with co-investment opportunities in SMR construction expected over the next decade.
The landscape of international nuclear energy collaboration has been undergoing a significant transformation in recent months, with a notable emphasis on the development and deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and Micro Modular Reactors (MMRs). This trend is exemplified by the recent collaboration between Italy and France, two major European nations with a shared interest in advancing SMR technology.
France’s EDF, its Italian subsidiary Edison, and Italy’s nuclear research organization ENEA have recently solidified their commitment to this goal by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This tripartite agreement is set to facilitate a wide range of collaborative activities aimed at accelerating the industrial applications of SMR technology. Key areas of focus will include in-depth analyses of thermo-hydraulic and passive safety systems, the exploration and integration of new and emerging technologies, and the optimization of integral system operation.
Furthermore, the MoU seeks to investigate the potential of SMRs to provide both electricity and heat in cogeneration mode, catering to the diverse needs of industrial sectors. This multifaceted approach extends to encompass training activities and knowledge exchange programs, fostering collaboration between researchers and PhD students from both countries.
This recent development marks a significant shift in Italy’s stance towards nuclear energy. The country had previously operated four nuclear power plants starting in the early 1960s. However, public sentiment turned against nuclear power following the 1986 Chernobyl disaster, leading to a referendum that resulted in the phase-out of nuclear energy. The last two Italian nuclear power plants, Caorso and Trino Vercellese, were closed in 1990.
Although there were considerations for restarting the nuclear program, the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi accident led to a moratorium on new nuclear plant construction. However, in a notable policy reversal, the Italian Parliament in May 2023 urged the government to reconsider the role of nuclear power in the country’s energy mix. This change in perspective was further reflected in the National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan submitted to the European Commission on 1 July 2024, which acknowledged the potential for new nuclear capacity.
The EDF-Edison-ENEA MoU is not the only indicator of Italy’s renewed interest in nuclear energy. In July 2023, another significant MoU was signed between EDF, Edison, Federacciai, Ansaldo Energia, and Ansaldo Nucleare. This agreement is specifically aimed at promoting the use of nuclear energy in the Italian steel industry, with a strong emphasis on decarbonization and enhancing competitiveness.
The partners involved are actively exploring co-investment opportunities in new nuclear energy projects, particularly the construction of SMRs in Italy over the coming decade. This endeavor is set to leverage EDF’s cutting-edge SMR technology, Edison’s extensive expertise in the Italian energy market, and Ansaldo’s engineering and industrial capabilities.
These recent developments highlight a growing recognition of the potential of SMRs to play a crucial role in meeting future energy needs while contributing to decarbonization efforts. The collaboration between Italy and France serves as a prime example of how international cooperation can accelerate the development and deployment of this promising technology.
