Next-generation small modular reactors (SMRs) and advanced modular reactors (AMRs) are in the sights of Enel and Ansaldo Nucleare.
Under a collaboration agreement, the two Italian companies intend to examine and evaluate new technologies and business models for SMRs and AMRs and their industrial applicability.
In particular, the partnership will explore the prospects of these two next-generation nuclear technologies, analysing their opportunities from an industrial point of view, given their scale and high degree of versatility in operation.
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Besides having the potential to provide on-site power, AMRs also have the potential for hydrogen production and heat production for industrial use.
In addition to progressively assessing the degree of maturity of the new SMR and AMR reactors and of related operational areas, the agreement foresees that the two companies will build a common path in which the analysis, monitoring and possible evaluation of joint initiatives contribute to verifying the effective applicability of the two technologies, with special focus on the involvement of the Italian supply chain.
The goal is therefore to use innovative technologies as a development lever for a future competitive advantage of the country in terms of new generation nuclear power, a statement reads.
Enel and Ansaldo Nucleare have been operating outside of Italy in the nuclear sector for several years.
Both are part of the country’s National Platform for Sustainable Nuclear Power (Piattaforma Nazionale per un Nucleare Sostenibile, PNNS) established at the Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security to study a national strategy for the sector under a participatory and joint approach.
Enel’s activities in the nuclear sector include the management of plants through its subsidiary Endesa in Spain and construction through its stake in Slovenské Elektrárne in Slovakia.
Ansaldo Nucleare, a subsidiary of Ansaldo Energia, is a recognised nuclear EPC contractor and system integrator and a contributor to SMR and AMR developments including the generation IV lead-cooled fast reactor technology.
