Ansaldo Energia, Atomic Energy Agency Explore Advanced Nuclear Tech, SMRs

Ansaldo Energia and the Atomic Energy Agency of the Republic of Uzbekistan signed an agreement to explore advanced nuclear technologies and develop small modular reactors (SMR).

Under the memorandum of understanding, Ansaldo Energia and Uzatom will strategically collaborate on the design and construction of nuclear power plants, nuclear waste management solutions, and professional training programs, with an emphasis on SMRs. Ansaldo Nucleare will bring its experience in nuclear technology to the table, including Generation III and IV reactors and fusion reactor technologies.

Andrea Benveduti, Senior Vice President of Public Affairs and Institutional Relations of Ansaldo Energia, and Azim Akhmedkhadjaev, Director of Uzatom Agency, signed the MoU in the presence of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and H.E. Piergabriele Papadia de Bottini, Ambassador of Italy to Uzbekistan.

Earlier this year, Ansaldo Energia, Enel, and Leonardo founded Nuclitalia, a company to study advanced nuclear technologies and Italian market opportunities in the country’s emerging nuclear industry. The company evaluates mature, environmentally sustainable nuclear power designs for water-cooled small modular reactors (SMRs).

Nuclitalia will conduct detailed technical-economic analyses and outline specific requirements to select the best possible options and integrate nuclear within Italy’s system. In addition, it will curate industrial partnerships and co-design opportunities with a focus on technological innovation, economic and environmental sustainability, and strengthening the Italian supply chain. Enel holds over half (51%) of the company’s stakes, Ansaldo Energia 39%, and Leonardo 10%.

The Board of Directors, chaired by Ferruccio Resta, previous Rector of the Politecnico di Milano, is comprised of seven members from shareholder companies that were selected based on technical skills and industry experience. The shareholders have already established corporate offices and Luca Mastrantonio, Head of Enel's Nuclear Innovation business, will serve as Nuclitalia’s CEO.

In early September 2024, Ansaldo Nucleare and Webuild signed a memorandum of understanding to develop safe, sustainable, and flexible solutions for the nuclear energy sector—the parties will collaborate on the development, marketing, and implementation of SMRs around 300 MW and advanced modular reactors (AMRs). According to Ansaldo Nucleare, SMRs and AMRs will be able to generate cheap, dispatchable, and decarbonized energy due to low investment costs, operational flexibility, construction modularity, production serialization, and a simplified certification procedure.