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:

Gain full professional access to energynews.pro from 4.90£/month.
Designed for decision-makers, with no long-term commitment.

Over 30,000 articles published since 2021.
150 new market analyses every week to decode global energy trends.

Monthly Digital PRO PASS

Immediate Access
4.90£/month*

No commitment – cancel anytime, activation in 2 minutes.

START NOW — 4.90£/month

*Special launch offer: 1st month at the indicated price, then 14.90 £/month, no long-term commitment.

Annual Digital PRO Pass

Full Annual Access
99£/year*

To access all of energynews.pro without any limits

SUBSCRIBE — 99£/year

*Introductory annual price for year one, automatically renewed at 149.00 £/year from the second year.

Sign up for free to unlock this article

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
Ecoener commissions Guatemala’s largest solar plant with 74.7 MWp
NextDecade signs 20-year LNG deal with EQT for 1.5 MTPA from Train 5
Lhyfe begins green hydrogen deliveries in the Netherlands for the GROHW project
Aspen Power acquires two community solar projects in New Jersey
PowerField activates automated FCR service linked to solar and storage
France positions itself on small modular reactors with eleven key recommendations
The French Energy Regulatory Commission outlines a structured plan to accelerate the deployment of small modular reactors, focusing on industrial heat and series effects to enhance competitiveness.
Nuclearn raises $10.5mn to expand automation in nuclear power plants
US-based Nuclearn has secured $10.5mn to scale its artificial intelligence platform, already deployed in over 65 nuclear reactors, to automate critical operations amid rising energy demand.
The inner dome of Haiyang 4 reactor successfully installed in China
The steel dome of the CAP1000 Haiyang 4 reactor has been positioned, a major construction milestone paving the way for upcoming maintenance and technical installation phases.
French and Belgian nuclear industry groups sign strategic cooperation agreement
The Groupement des Industriels Français de l'Énergie Nucléaire and the Belgian Nuclear Forum formalise a partnership aimed at strengthening industrial exchanges and joint projects between the two countries’ nuclear sectors.
IAEA urges Iran to resume nuclear inspections as time runs out
The International Atomic Energy Agency warns that little time remains to reach an agreement with Iran on fully resuming inspections, as European sanctions could be reimposed within 30 days.
Westinghouse and EDF reactors deemed viable for Slovenia’s JEK2 nuclear project
Slovenia’s JEK2 project moves forward with two nuclear technologies judged technically compatible, estimated between EUR9.31bn ($10.1bn) and EUR15.37bn ($16.66bn).
Oklo invests $1.7bn in nuclear recycling plant in Tennessee
US-based Oklo will build the country’s first privately funded nuclear fuel recycling centre in Oak Ridge, investing $1.7bn and creating over 800 jobs.
TVA and ENTRA1 seal historic agreement for 6 GW of SMR reactors in the United States
The Tennessee Valley Authority partners with ENTRA1 Energy to develop up to 6 gigawatts of modular nuclear capacity, in an unprecedented project supporting energy growth across seven U.S. states.
IAEA: Iran held 440.9 kg at 60% before Israeli strikes
A report by the International Atomic Energy Agency puts Iran’s 60% enriched uranium at 440.9 kg before Israeli and U.S. strikes, while the agency’s access to enrichment sites has remained suspended since the operations.
Westinghouse strengthens UK supply chain for nuclear reactors
US-based Westinghouse has signed six industrial agreements in the UK to supply critical components for its AP1000 and AP300 nuclear projects in Britain and abroad.
NANO Nuclear secures $1.25mn contract for KRONOS MMR microreactor
NANO Nuclear Energy receives direct funding from the US Air Force innovation branch to assess the integration of its KRONOS MMRâ„¢ microreactor at the Washington D.C. military base.
EDF extends two nuclear reactors in the United Kingdom until March 2028
EDF extends the operation of Heysham 1 and Hartlepool by one year after favourable safety inspections, ensuring continuity of nuclear production and safeguarding more than 1,000 jobs.
Rosatom prepares new nuclear projects in India and Turkey
Russian nuclear group Rosatom has confirmed advanced discussions with India and Turkey to launch new power plants, including advanced and floating reactor technologies.
Uranium traces detected in Syria at site linked to former Israeli airstrike
The International Atomic Energy Agency has identified uranium particles of industrial origin in samples taken from a Syrian site suspected of hosting an undeclared nuclear reactor.
Norway launches assessment process for two nuclear projects
Norwegian authorities begin the first regulatory phase for two modular nuclear reactor projects, marking a strategic step in the national review of the potential role of nuclear energy in the country’s power mix.
India accelerates its nuclear program to join the global top 5
With eleven reactors under construction and major projects such as Jaitapur, India is preparing a nuclear build-up that could place it among the world’s five leading nations in the sector.
Paris and Berlin agree on an energy roadmap including nuclear power
France and Germany have validated a joint energy roadmap, including a commitment to the non-discrimination of nuclear energy in European financing.
Putin and Pezeshkian to discuss Iranian nuclear program under European pressure
Russia and Iran seek to strengthen their nuclear cooperation as the E3 activates the sanctions mechanism against Tehran, reigniting tensions over compliance with the 2015 Vienna agreement.
Natura Resources secures federal and Texas backing for molten salt reactor
US-based Natura Resources has secured strategic funding and key permits for its MSR-1 nuclear reactor, backed by public funds and enriched fuel allocation from the Department of Energy.
Seoul and Washington open talks on nuclear fuel reprocessing
The United States and South Korea have agreed to initiate discussions on reprocessing spent nuclear fuel, marking a potential strategic shift in the long-standing bilateral agreement.

Log in to read this article

You'll also have access to a selection of our best content.