For now it is a letter of intent, but it could become one revolution for the Italian economy and energy transition. Ansaldo Energia, Ansaldo Nucleare, Edf, the French nuclear giant, and its Italian subsidiary Edison are trying to undermine the taboo on nuclear power in Italy with a "concrete reflection" that could lead, together with renewable sources, to energy independence.
At stake is the “role of the new nuclear power in support of Italian energy transition”, as he said Nicholas Monti, CEO of Edison, specifying that "the new nuclear power is complementary to the development of renewable sources and can represent a concrete solution in support of the carbon neutrality objectives for 2050, contributing to the energy independence of the European system".
Edison, the oldest energy company in Europe, is listed in Italy with only savings shares which today mark a price of 1,43 euros, up 1,06%. The society according to some market sources could be sold by Edf which is located at end of 2022 with the record loss of 17,9 billion, and the big Italians would be in the running. Edison ended 2022 with growing revenues, but with a penalized net profit from the negative impact of the various decrees.
For Italy it would be an opportunity for an economic boost
In Italy, as we know, nuclear power has been blocked since 1987 referendum, but the nuclear power of that time is not what it is today and therefore there are not a few, including experts and politicians, who prompt a reflection and an update of the issue. By the way for Italy it would also be a great opportunity to drive for economic development.
The goal “is to enhance the skills of the Italian nuclear supply chain, of which Ansaldo Nuclear is the lead partner, in support of the development of the EDF group's new nuclear projects, and at the same time to initiate a reflection on the possible role of the new nuclear power of energy transition in Italy” says the note released by the companies adding, to make it clear that they are serious, that “The agreement will be the subject of subsequent binding agreements between the parties”.
The skills are already there in Italy, thanks to Ansaldo's experience
“The Ansaldo Energia group has a wealth of skills of excellence which is of fundamental importance in the energy transition path based on technologies with a high know-how content” he observes Joseph Marino, CEO of Ansaldo Energia. While Richard Casale, to of Ansaldo Nuclear, he adds that “the group has been able to keep its expertise in the nuclear field alive after the closure of the Italian plants. Our company is strongly committed to this mission and actively involved in numerous projects in various European countries".
And Edf confirms: "We are convinced of the interest in strengthening cooperation with Italian industry".
Edf will promote international partnerships
The theme goes far beyond the Italian borders and brings together the needs of the whole Old World who learned from the Russo-Ukrainian war how important it is to disengage from foreign energy supplies.
“Edf has the ambition to promote international partnerships to deploy a portfolio of nuclear technologies to support Europe towards its net zero goals,” he says Vakis Ramany, Director of International Development for Edf's New Nuclear Power Plant.
The new nuclear has very high safety characteristics
“Nuclear energy can play a complementary role to renewable sources, guaranteeing stability and contributing to the environmental sustainability of the electric system, in light of the ambitious European and Italian decarbonisation targets which set the achievement of climate neutrality at 2050” explains the press release issued by the four companies, adding that theatomic energy it is one of the sources of generation with the lowest CO2 emissions, assures a reduced land use compared to the installed electric power and allows an optimal programmability of the production. Also, the Small Modular Reactors have very high safety features, they require limited investments and can be used to produce electricity and heat, responding in a versatile way to the needs of the electricity system and the territories".
