SUBSCRIBE
PROFILE

Italy: MAIRE-newcleo agreement for a 200 MWe nuclear reactor

MAIRE S.p.A. and newcleo Holding launch Italy's first nuclear project under the Meloni government, featuring a 200 MWe advanced modular reactor.

Share:

Comprehensive energy news coverage, updated nonstop

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access • Archives included • Professional invoice

SUBSCRIBE - 99$/year

OTHER ACCESS OPTIONS

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

FREE ACCOUNT

3 articles offered per month

FREE

*Prices are excluding VAT, which may vary depending on your location or professional status

Since 2021: 35,000 articles • 150+ analyses per week

MAIRE S.p.A., through its subsidiary NEXTCHEM, and newcleo Holding SA announce the creation of a joint venture to develop an advanced modular reactor (AMR) with a capacity of 200 MWe, marking a significant milestone for Italy. This project aligns with the nuclear relaunch strategy led by Giorgia Meloni’s government, aimed at strengthening energy sovereignty while addressing climate challenges.

A return to nuclear energy in Italy

This partnership represents a pivotal step for Italy as it reintroduces nuclear energy into its energy mix after decades of absence. The LFR-AS-200 reactor, based on Lead-cooled Fast Reactor technology, utilizes MOX (Mixed Oxide) fuel derived from reprocessed nuclear waste. This approach aligns with the government’s priorities for energy transition and reduced dependency on imports.

The joint venture will leverage the complementary expertise of NEXTCHEM, specializing in engineering and project management, and newcleo, an innovator in advanced nuclear technologies.

European goals and the first plant in France

According to projections, a non-nuclear prototype will be operational in Italy by 2026, with the first nuclear plant expected to come online in France by 2031. This timeline reflects Italy’s intention to play a leading role in the European nuclear revival while adhering to international sustainability commitments.

A priority for the Meloni government

The agreement is part of Giorgia Meloni’s government’s strategy to bolster Italy’s energy independence and position the country as a key player in the European energy landscape. This project may also have significant political implications, particularly in European energy negotiations and Italy’s energy transition debates.

An open economic model

The joint venture will also offer services for other non-competing SMR (Small Modular Reactor) and AMR technologies. Additionally, MAIRE and its subsidiaries, including TECNIMONT, will play a central role in designing and building infrastructure due to their expertise in modular engineering.

As part of strategic milestones, NEXTCHEM will also be eligible to acquire a stake in newcleo, conditional on the finalization of investments.

  • Popular on energynews.pro
Enefit Green sells Finnish wind farm for EUR83mn to TD Greystone
EDP signs PPA with Carrefour for 50 GWh of energy in Poland
Sanctions against Rosneft and Lukoil redirect oil flows toward Asia
Citgo shifts under Elliott control for $5.9bn pending U.S. approval
Ecoplexus secures $300mn financing to accelerate US solar projects
Denmark forms industrial alliance to prepare for a civil nuclear comeback
A coalition of Danish industry groups, unions and investors launches a platform in support of modular nuclear power, aiming to develop firm low-carbon capacity to sustain industrial competitiveness.
The United Kingdom launches TAE Beam UK backed by Google in fusion
The United Kingdom and TAE Technologies create a joint venture in Culham to produce neutral beams, a key component of fusion, with strategic backing from Google.
Natura Resources accelerates molten salt reactor development with DOE support
Texas-based developer Natura Resources receives new federal funding to test key components of its 100-megawatt modular reactor in partnership with Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
Japan set to vote on partial restart of Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear plant
The Niigata regional assembly is deliberating on restarting unit 6 of the world’s largest nuclear plant, thirteen years after operations ceased following the Fukushima disaster.
Belgium: Doel 2 permanently shut down after fifty years of operation
Reactor Doel 2 was taken offline, becoming the fifth Belgian reactor to cease operations under the country’s gradual nuclear phase-out policy.
Rolls-Royce SMR strengthens nuclear cooperation with ÚJV Řež in Czechia
Rolls-Royce SMR has expanded its partnership with ÚJV Řež to accelerate the deployment of small modular reactors, targeting the construction of several units in the Czech Republic and abroad.
India prepares to open its nuclear sector to private players
The Indian government aims to amend legislation to allow private companies to participate in civil nuclear development, a move positioned as critical to achieving the country’s long-term energy targets.
China completes modular construction of Xudabao 4 passive tank
The VVER-1200 nuclear reactor at Xudabao 4 in China has completed installation of its final passive water tank, marking the end of modular construction for the second phase of the project.
Canada and Alberta agree on joint nuclear strategy by 2027
Ottawa and Edmonton commit to a nuclear production roadmap by 2050, through a memorandum of understanding also covering carbon capture and an Indigenous-led pipeline project.
Niger challenges Orano by launching its uranium production on the international market
Niamey asserts control over its uranium resources by authorising open market sales of Somaïr’s production, formerly operated by France’s Orano, amid ongoing legal disputes.
Equinix secures 500 MWe nuclear supply from Stellaria for AI data centres
Equinix has signed a strategic agreement with French start-up Stellaria to reserve 500 MWe of advanced nuclear capacity to power its future European AI data centres starting in 2035.
Kyrgyzstan bets on a Russian small modular reactor to solve its energy crisis
Bishkek plans to host a RITM-200N small modular reactor supplied by Rosatom to address electricity shortages and deepen energy ties with Moscow, despite the risks posed by Western sanctions.
TEPCO could restart Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear plant as early as January
The Niigata prefectural assembly will vote on the restart of Unit 6, potentially marking TEPCO’s first reactor relaunch since the 2011 Fukushima disaster.
Norway launches cross-border consultation on nuclear power plant project
The Norwegian government has initiated a consultation with neighbouring countries on its modular nuclear power plant project in Aure and Heim, in accordance with the Espoo Convention.
TÜNAŞ and KEPCO sign deal to accelerate nuclear development in Türkiye
Türkiye and South Korea have signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly explore nuclear power plant projects, marking a strategic step in the long-term development of Türkiye's energy infrastructure.
Asian Development Bank opens nuclear energy financing to developing countries
Asian Development Bank has amended its energy policy to enable funding for civil nuclear projects in developing member countries across the Asia-Pacific region.
First Hydrogen launches project on molten-salt fuels for small modular reactors
First Hydrogen begins research with the University of Alberta to identify molten-salt mixtures simulating nuclear fuels for SMR prototypes.
Framatome delivers first nuclear fuel assemblies for Barakah
Framatome has completed the manufacturing of the first nuclear fuel assemblies for the Barakah power plant, marking a key milestone in the supply agreement signed with Emirates Nuclear Energy Company in July.
UK launches radical overhaul of nuclear regulation system
A government-commissioned report proposes 47 measures to simplify nuclear regulation, reduce decommissioning costs and accelerate delivery of civilian and military projects.
Zhangzhou’s second reactor delivers first kilowatt-hours to the grid
The Hualong One reactor at Zhangzhou nuclear power plant has been connected to the grid, marking a major milestone in the expansion of China’s civilian nuclear programme.

All the latest energy news, all the time

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access - Archives included - Pro invoice

START - 99$/year

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

*Prices shown are exclusive of VAT, which may vary according to your location or professional status.

Since 2021: 30,000 articles - +150 analyses/week.