MILAN, Sept 17 (Askume) – Italian Edison SA (EDNN.MI) is interested in participating in the country’s government plan to develop a new generation of nuclear power, the chief executive of an EDF subsidiary said on Tuesday.
Earlier this month, Industry Minister Adolfo Urso said Italy plans to form a new company with domestic and foreign partners to build advanced third-generation reactors, despite a current ban on nuclear power generation in the country.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government plans to draft rules allowing the use of new nuclear power technology by the beginning of 2025 , the energy minister said earlier this month, suggesting the current ban could be lifted.
“We are interested in participating in a new company (nuclear energy). We are waiting for the documents to be released… we want to be part of the project,” Edison’s Nicola Monti said on the sidelines of an energy conference in Milan.
Edison was involved in discussions among nuclear players about a possible revival of this energy source in Italy, Monti said, adding that specific skills are needed to be involved in such a project.
“Nuclear power is not for everyone. Players with the right skills can count it on their fingers.”
Italy banned nuclear power after losing two referendums in 1987 and 2011.
According to media reports , state-backed Ansaldo Nuclear, state-controlled Enel (ENEI.MI) and nuclear specialist Nucleo will take part in setting up the new nuclear energy company.
Edison said last year that it was willing to resume nuclear generation in Italy by 2040 if the regulatory framework allowed.
The Italian utility can rely on nuclear technology and skills developed by EDF. It recently signed a memorandum of understanding with energy groups Ansaldo Energia and Ansaldo Nucleare to use nuclear power to decarbonise the steel industry.
