Italy wants to join “Nuclear alliance” for nuclear energy-Diepresse.com
On the occasion of the EU energy council in Luxembourg in mid-June, Italy plans to join the « Nuclear Alliance ». Italy wants to be climate -neutral by returning to nuclear energy.
Italy wants to join the « nuclear alliance » on the occasion of the next EU energy rate, which is planned for June 16 in Luxembourg. This was explained by the Minister for Environment and Energy Safety, Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, on Saturday in Milan. So far, Italy has participated as observers in the group’s meetings. Rome strives for a return to nuclear energy.
The EU’s « nuclear alliance » is an association of European countries that are committed to increased use of nuclear energy as part of their energy policy. It was founded for the first time in February 2023 under French initiative and now comprises 16 countries, including France, Belgium, Hungary, Poland, Sweden, Italy (as an observer) and Great Britain (as a guest).
Members want to increase nuclear power capacity of the EU
The member states are aiming to increase the EU’s installed nuclear power capacity to 150 gigawatts by 2050 – an increase of 50 GW compared to the currently around 100 GW. This is to be achieved through the further operation of existing reactors, the construction of 30 to 45 new large reactors and the development of small modular reactors (SMR).
In addition, Allianz is committed to stronger European cooperation in the entire nuclear value chain, including the areas of security, innovation, dismantling and disposal. A central point is also the creation of a common European framework to facilitate access to financial resources for new nuclear power projects.
The alliance is in the context of EU energy policy, especially with regard to the decarbonization and the achievement of the climate goals until 2050. It emphasizes the role of nuclear energy as a stable and poor energy source. However, there are different opinions on this topic within the EU. Countries such as Austria and Luxembourg reject nuclear energy and have initiated legal steps against the classification of nuclear power as a sustainable energy source in EU taxonomy.
Italy presses the accelerator pedal when returning to nuclear energy. « In the first years of the next decade, i.e. 2031-2032, the industrial mass production of small reactors for the production of nuclear energy could begin in Italy, » said Pichetto Fratin.
Italy wants to start with mass production of small reactors
« We no longer speak of large nuclear power plants. The state must first determine the rules and the legal framework, then we will evaluate the profitability of the commissioning of the mini factors if they are available, » said the Environment Minister. « The aim is to be 2050 climate -neutral and to rely on more renewable energies and less fossil fuels. But renewable energies alone are not enough: we need innovations, hydrogen and new sustainable nuclear energy. Sustainability has to be real, not ideological, and it also has to promote economic and social growth. »
The last two nuclear power plants were switched off in Italy in 1986 and 1987 and officially closed in 1990. Mini atomic power plants, so-called SMRs (small modular reactors), are nuclear reactors that are smaller than conventional in terms of size and electricity generation capacity. A standardized design should be able to install them easier and cheaper. The return to atomic energy is mainly supported by the Italian Industrial Association of Confindustria – as a way to reduce energy costs. (APA)
