The return of nuclear power to Italy could have a first date: 2035. It is the year indicated by EDF, Edison and Nuward to put into operation in our country the first Small modular reactor, a new generation modular reactor of around 400 megawatts. The declared objective is to produce electricity at an average cost of around 100 euros per megawatt hour. To provide a point of comparison, in recent weeks electricity on the Italian wholesale market costs around double: the Pun exceeded 200 euros/MWh in September, after an average of 180 euros in August.
The project is part of the plan with which the government aims to bring nuclear production back into the Italian energy mix. The Pniec contemplates a scenario with 8 GW of nuclear capacity by 2050, sufficient to cover approximately 11% of national electricity demand. By exploiting the full potential identified by the studies, we could reach 16 GW and up to 22%.
Nuward’s target of 100 euros per megawatt hour would not make mini-nuclear power the cheapest source: new photovoltaic systems have obtained average prices of around 57 euros/MWh and wind power at 73 euros, but their performance is not programmable and obviously photovoltaics cannot produce energy at night. With gas at current prices, a combined cycle power plant costs around 165-190 euros to produce one megawatt hour. The new SMR plants would be competitive compared to gas in current conditions and compared to many new traditional nuclear projects (which produce energy at costs estimated at 141-220 euros/MWh.
Before the power plants, however, the law is needed. The enabling bill on sustainable nuclear power, approved by the House on June 4, is still being examined by the Senate. The text entrusts the government with the task of building the new regulatory framework: location of plants, authorisations, safety and management of radioactive waste.
The first Italian reactor in 2035
Environment Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin spoke of the first Italian reactors in 2034-2035, a date that coincides with EDF’s announcement on the first series of ten SMRs in Europe to be built within four years between France, Italy, Poland, Belgium and Finland. The first should arise in France; the Italian supply chain – from Edison to Saipem and Webuild, passing through Ansaldo and Maire – would participate in the development and then transfer the experience to the first Italian plant, which the company aims to have operational by 2035.
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