EDF and Italian Companies Explore Nuclear Power Cooperation in Europe

EDF and Italian Companies Explore Nuclear Power Cooperation in Europe

(IN BRIEF) EDF, Ansaldo Energia, Ansaldo Nucleare, and Edison have signed a Letter of Intent to collaborate on the development of new nuclear power in Europe, specifically in Small Modular Reactors (SMR). Ansaldo Nucleare will support EDF in developing new nuclear projects, while Edison will assess the potential for the development of nuclear power in Italy. The four companies consider nuclear power as complementary to renewable sources and an essential element of Europe’s decarbonization targets. They will explore potential industrial cooperation and subsequent binding agreements will follow this Letter of Intent.

(PRESS RELEASE) PARIS, 6-Mar-2023 — /EuropaWire/ —  EDF (EPA: EDF), the world-leading nuclear operator, announces that it has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Ansaldo Energia, Ansaldo Nucleare, and Edison to collaborate on the development of new nuclear power in Europe, with a focus on Small Modular Reactors (SMR). The LOI aims to leverage the specific expertise of the four signatories and assess potential industrial cooperation for the development of nuclear power in Europe, including in Italy. Ansaldo Nucleare, as a developer of engineering components and service provider for the energy and nuclear industry, will support the development of EDF Group’s new nuclear projects. EDF is involved in new nuclear projects based on its portfolio of technologies, including SMR NUWARD™, mid-size reactor EPR1200, and large-size reactor EPR. Edison, a leading Italian energy player, will assess the potential for the development and implementation of new nuclear power in Italy.

The four signatories consider nuclear power as a complement to renewable sources, guaranteeing stability and contributing to the environmental sustainability of the electricity system. Nuclear power is one of the best energy sources in terms of low carbon dioxide emissions and ensures reduced land footprint per unit of installed capacity, guaranteeing optimal production programmability. Furthermore, new reactors, such as the Small Modular Reactors, boast very high safety features, require limited investments, and can be used to produce both electricity and heat, thereby meeting the needs of the energy system and territories in a flexible way.

The parties will explore potential industrial cooperation, drawing on their respective skills. Subsequent binding agreements, to be defined by the parties, will follow this Letter of Intent. The signatories are committed to promoting the development of new nuclear power in Europe and to opening a debate on the possible role of new nuclear power in Italy’s energy transition. The LOI represents an important step in the cooperation between EDF, Ansaldo Energia, Ansaldo Nucleare, and Edison towards the development of sustainable and low-carbon energy solutions for Europe.

«This agreement lays the foundations for a concrete and open reflection on the role of new nuclear power in supporting Italian energy transition», says Nicola Monti, Edison CEO. «This need has become more evident following the upheavals of the past year, confirming the importance of long-term strategic choices. New nuclear power complements the development of renewables and can be an adequate solution to support the 2050 carbon neutrality goals, contributing to the energy independence of the European system».

«Ansaldo Energia Group has a wealth of outstanding expertise that is of fundamental importance in the energy transition path based on technologies with high know-how contents», says Giuseppe Marino, Ansaldo Energia CEO. «Today, more than ever, it is critical to make them available to the market to meet the challenge of decarbonisation».

«Ansaldo Energia Group managed to successfully keep its nuclear expertise alive, after the closing of nuclear power plants in Italy», says Riccardo Casale, Ansaldo Nucleare CEO. «We strongly believe in this mission and actively participate in many projects in several European countries, in collaboration with Italian industries and research organisations, testifying the high added value that Italy can bring to the renewed interest in nuclear power in Europe».

«EDF has the ambition to foster international partnerships to deploy a portfolio of nuclear technologies to support Europe towards its net-zero targets», says Vakis Ramany, EDF Senior Vice President in charge of international new nuclear development. «We are willing to strengthen the cooperation with the Italian industry and the signing of this Letter of Intent with Ansaldo Energia, Ansaldo Nucleare and Edison is a first important step towards a stronger and lasting partnership. This will reinforce the European supply chain of our technologies in a context where many European countries are planning for new nuclear programmes.»

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SOURCE: EDF Group