Italy is focusing on new nuclear power with SMRs. Here is how the new modular technology works, the economic advantages compared to large plants and Italy’s role in the sector
The race to find the energy of the future sees in nuclear one of the absolute protagonists. A technology in which Italy is at the forefrontdespite having no longer inserted the atom into its energy mix since 1987.
In particular, they are the Small Modular Reactors (SMR) are the protagonists of this mini “energy revolution”, for the development of which our country’s companies are leading research, having developed one of the most complete supply chains on a global level.
What are SMRs
The Small Modular Reactors they are advanced nuclear reactors with a unit capacity of up to 300 electric Megawatts (MWe), about a third of a large traditional plant, which can exceed 1,000 MWe.
The operating principle remains the same nuclear fission: The heat produced is used directly or to generate electricity.
In the first case, the very high temperature heat generated is used for splitting the water and the clean hydrogen production. Other purposes are the district heatingby sending hot water or steam directly to urban heating networks, or the water desalinationusing thermal energy to make sea water drinkable.
In the second case, the heat generated by the core heats a heat transfer fluid (water, gas or liquid metal). This heat is transferred to a steam generator, and the steam thus produced drives a turbine connected to an alternatorproducing electricity to be fed into the energy grid.
The real innovation, however, is in the manufacturing model: In SMR the “M” stands for “modular”, which means that systems and components are assembled in the factory and transported to the site as modules or complete units, reducing construction work on site.
They can use different coolants – light water, liquid metals such as lead or molten salts – and those with non-water technologies are often classified as Advanced Modular Reactors (AMRs).
The advantages of SMRs over classical nuclear power
The most immediate benefit is economic-financial: a large 1,000-1,400 MWe reactor requires investments of 15-30 billion dollars and construction times of 7-12 years, while an SMR aims for 2-5 billion per unit and 3-5 years of construction.
There modularity allows capacity to be added gradually, diluting risk and adapting to growth in demand, while mass production (up to 70-90% in factory) promises efficiencies and more predictable times.
On the front safetymany designs integrate passive systems that take advantage of the natural circulation of the refrigerant, requiring minimal operator intervention and reducing the number of valves, pumps and pipes subject to failure.
The land footprint is much smaller (10-35 acres versus 500-1,000) and the cooling water requirement is reduced, opening up otherwise inaccessible sites.
As for slagthe small size does not completely eliminate the problem, but some designs using thorium or alternative fuels aim for a significant reduction in the volume and radiotoxicity of the waste to be treated.
The Italian players in the sector
Italy, despite not having active nuclear power plants, retains the second largest nuclear industrial chain in Europe by number of active companies, with over 100 companies registered and a market potential estimated at 50 billion euros and 117,000 new jobs.
The heart of this renaissance it is the axis with France: Edison (EDF group), with Ansaldo Nucleareleads a consortium that aspires to build ten SMRs in Europe by 2035 based on technology Nuward of EDF, involving Saipem, WeBuild and many other companies.
Nuclitalya joint venture led by Enel with Ansaldo Energia and Leonardo, maps the supply chain and defines the national requirements.
On the innovation front, the Italian-French startup Newcleo (founded by Stefano Buono, listed on Nasdaq) develops fourth generation lead-cooled fast reactors and collaborates with Fincantieri. Public research is entrusted to AENEAS and to the university consortium CIRTENwhich work on fission and fusion.
The giant of the sector, however, remains Russia. Moscow, through state atomic energy giant Rosatom, has as many as 19 reactors under active construction in seven countries, controls approximately 40% of world enrichment and holds a near monopoly on fuel HALEUessential for many SMRs.
That said, Italy maintains all the potential to become one of the protagonists of this new technology, and the enabling law desired by the government and which came into force on 15 October, it goes precisely in this direction.
