Exclusive: Italy Seeks Westinghouse and EDF as Partners for Nuclear Power Firm, Sources Say – Reuters

By Giuseppe Fonte, Francesca Landini, and Angelo Amante

Italy is exploring partnerships with the U.S. energy firm Westinghouse and France’s EDF as it seeks to establish a state-backed company to develop advanced nuclear reactors in the country, according to two sources familiar with the discussions.

Following referendums in 1987 and 2011, the construction of nuclear power plants has been banned in Italy. However, the government aims to formulate guidelines by the end of this year that will permit the adoption of new nuclear technologies. This move was reaffirmed by the energy minister on Wednesday, who expressed the intention to lift the existing ban.

The right-wing government led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni believes that small modular reactors (SMRs) and advanced modular reactors can play a key role in reducing emissions from the country’s most polluting industries, such as steel, glass, and tile production.

EDF has indicated its interest in the Italian project, stating, "We are keen to support the SMR option in Italy," and noted that its Italian subsidiary, Edison, is actively engaging with local companies and institutions. In July, EDF and Edison entered into a memorandum of understanding with the Italian state-owned company Ansaldo Nucleare and the Italian steel makers’ association, Federacciai, to explore the use of nuclear power in the industry.

Ansaldo Nucleare and startup Newcleo are expected to participate in the government initiative to develop SMRs, although Newcleo has not provided comments on the matter. A senior government source remarked that Westinghouse and EDF are seen as ideal international partners for the project.

Westinghouse has not yet responded to requests for comments.

Energy Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin has appointed a legal expert to assist in drafting a new law, which is scheduled to be presented to parliament next year. In a recent parliamentary session, Pichetto highlighted that integrating at least 11% nuclear power into Italy’s energy mix could yield savings of approximately 17 billion euros on decarbonization costs by 2050.

Despite the ban on nuclear energy, Italy has maintained significant expertise in the field. The state-controlled utility Enel operates nuclear power facilities in Spain, and energy giant Eni is investing in the development of a nuclear-fusion reactor in the United States.