Italy: next-generation power plants by 2040

During the conference ‘A Just and Attainable Ecological Transition,’ organised by Estra in collaboration with QN Economia in Arezzo, Roberto Cingolani, CEO of Leonardo Spa, stated that the development of fourth-generation nuclear power would require an investment of 5 to 10 years, with the availability of these machines starting from 2035-2040. These advanced modular reactors represent a significant technological advancement, offering enhanced safety, reduced waste production, and greater flexibility of use. Their compact design allows for easy installation in peripheral or disused areas, making them a versatile solution for a range of industrial and commercial applications. Minister Pichetto Fratin confirmed the government’s intention to build a legal framework favourable to the development of nuclear power during the final debate. The Minister expressed concerns about certain decisions made by the European Union, particularly the prohibition on combustion engines by 2035, while Cingolani advocated for technological neutrality, emphasising the necessity for a diverse array of sources and tools to facilitate the energy transition, which cannot be further delayed. In this regard, concerning renewable energy, Pichetto announced a decree to facilitate the construction of plants in industrial areas.