EDF, Edison and ENEA To Partner On Innovative Nuclear Technologies

EDF (ENS Corporate Member), Edison, and ENEA (the Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Development) announced the signature of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on innovative nuclear technologies.

The MoU aims to collaborate on the industrial applications of small modular reactors (SMRs). In particular, the collaboration will focus on the analysis of thermo-hydraulic systems and passive safety systems, new technologies, integral system operation and the opportunity to provide electricity and heat in cogeneration mode for industrial needs.

The agreement also provides for training activities and the exchange of know-how between researchers and PhD students.

This collaboration is a practical and effective way to overcome barriers to deploying small modular reactors (SMRs) in Europe. By leveraging our combined expertise and resources, we are committed to developing innovative solutions that will contribute to Europe’s carbon neutrality goals.

said Bernard Salha, EDF Group Chief Technical Officer, and Head of EDF Research and Development.

Read the full Edison Press Release.

Highlighting the importance of the industrial applications of nuclear technologies, last July EDF and Edison signed an MoU with Ansaldo Nucleare (ENS Corporate Member), Ansaldo Energia, and Federacciai, aimed at promoting cooperation in the use of nuclear energy to boost the competitiveness and decarbonisation of the Italian steel industry.

The commitment of Italian steelmakers is clear: we intend to lead the transition to a fully sustainable steel industry. […] We will work to ensure that this first important agreement can set an example for all hard-to-abate industrial sectors: this is the only viable way to meet the most ambitious decarbonisation targets

said Antonio Gozzi, President of Federacciai.

A Letter of Intention on SMR development was already signed by the abovementioned companies in March 2023.