Will nuclear energy come back to Italy?

Translated by Andrea Solazzo

On 9 September, the presentation of the report “The future of European competitiveness” was held in Brussels, in which former Prime Minister Mario Draghi presented the results of his analysis on the competitiveness of the European Union. The more than 400-page document focuses on common economic policies that can maximise the collective efforts of all countries with the ultimate goal of increasing the EU's competitiveness on the global market. One of the pillars of this vision is the decarbonisation process, which is essential to ensure independence from oil- and gas-rich countries, to reduce energy costs and to increase the economic potential of Europe's industrial fabric. The solution offered in the “Draghi report” calls for a massive allocation of public and private funds to be invested in clean energy sources such as renewables, nuclear, hydrogen and bioenergy as well as a necessary acceleration of authorisation processes for new installations.

Focus Italy

According to data collected by the IEA (International Energy Agency), an international agency that periodically carries out an analysis of the national energy status, in Italy more than half of the energy is produced from non-renewable sources. In fact, the agency estimated that in 2022 Italy would be forced to import around 80% of its total energy supply, placing it in third place among the European countries most dependent on foreign production. In recent years, however, the situation has changed profoundly. In fact, in 2023, energy production from renewable sources reached 40% of total annual consumption, allowing the Bel Paese to reduce its dependence on imports and make greater use of low-cost domestic energy production.

The “Draghi report” also mentions the use of atomic energy, which could be fundamental in the transition process towards climate neutrality. In Italy, the production of atomic energy was completely stopped following the choice made by citizens in the 1987 abrogative referendum and subsequently reconfirmed in a second referendum in 2011.

In recent years, however, the orientation of public opinion on the issue has been changing, so much so that a recent survey conducted by SWG revealed that more than half of the Italian population would be in favour of the re-introduction of last-generation nuclear power in the country.

Institutions are moving in this direction and have already appointed a group of experts with the task of assessing the legislative framework and launched an investigation into the issue at the Environment Commission and the Productive Activities, Trade and Tourism Commission of the Chamber of Deputies.

The Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan (INECP), jointly presented by the Ministry of Economic Development, the Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, envisaged producing 11% of national needs with nuclear technology by 2050.

The small modular reactor (SMR)

The possible return of atomic energy in Italy could come with the futuristic technology of small modular reactors. These are small reactors that, by exploiting nuclear fission, are able to meet local energy needs. The reactors are designed to be mass-produced and their use is highly flexible due to their small size. In fact, they are built and assembled in the factory and then transported and installed in the chosen location, thus reducing the costs and time needed for production. Due to their ductility, they can be installed close to plants that are already operational to support local needs and energy production from inconstant renewable sources.

Mini-reactors also offer advantages from an environmental point of view. In fact, nuclear energy could be a key ally in a green transition and in the fight against emissions. While in ordinary nuclear power plants the nuclear material has to be changed every 3-7 years, in SMRs the fuel cycle is up to 25 years.

Moreover, this new technology features passive safety systems that, unlike conventional power plants, do not require human action. In the event of a malfunction, the reactors are able to switch themselves off and the closed natural convection and gravity cooling circuits are able to keep the temperature under control without the need for manual actions or external water supply.

The nuclear energy network

In the struggle for energy sovereignty with the United States and China, the European Union starts at a disadvantage. Although research for atomic energy on our continent is at the forefront in many countries, the EU is paying the price for a multitude of states not acting together. The European Commission, in order to remedy this problem, has promoted an alliance of 286 members with the ultimate aim of forming a network that can give a boost to the industrial sector of atomic technology and, in particular, to mini modular nuclear reactor technology.

Already part of this network are global giants such as Google and Microsoft, representing the digital sector, and Siemens, which ranks among the global industrial leaders. There are also 39 Italian companies, such as Eni and Enel, as well as Ansaldo Nucleare, which is already involved in the development of some SMR models, the start-up Newcleo, which was founded by physicist Stefano Buono, the public company Agenzia industrie difesa, which is in charge of the production of military instruments, and companies such as Fincantieri and Rina, which are interested in the maritime application of mini-reactors.

Italy, after almost forty years since the abandonment of nuclear power, is responding to the European call to combine research, production means and cooperation for a common development of new energy technologies. However, despite the apparent benefits of this technology, it will be crucial to address the challenges of safety, public consensus and regulation to make this project a sustainable reality for Italy and Europe.

Mondo Internazionale APS - Riproduzione Riservata ® 2024