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Enel, Ansaldo, Leonardo in speak to set up nuclear reactors company, minister states

Energy groups Enel, Ansaldo and defence business Leonardo are in speak to set up a statebacked company to develop atomic power plants in Italy, the nation's energy minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin stated on Wednesday.

Pichetto confirmed the talks with the companies, initially reported by paper Il Foglio, were occurring, however stated nothing had actually yet been concurred.

If and when we reach a conclusion we will prepare amounts on who is getting involved, Pichetto told a press conference following an event devoted to fusion energy in Rome, adding the new state-backed business ought to have an important function in the system.

Nuclear-fired power plants are prohibited in Italy following referendums in 1987 and 2011 but the government prepares to draft guidelines to enable the usage of new nuclear-power innovations and lift the ban.

Italy's right-wing administration thinks little modular reactors and advanced modular reactors could assist decarbonise the nation's most contaminating sectors, including steel, glass and tile-makers.

Italy approximates it would be able to save 17 billion euros ($ 18.20 billion) on the cost of decarbonising the economy by 2050, must it consist of a minimum of 11% of nuclear power in its energy mix.

Reuters initially reported last month that Italy was likewise in talks with several business, consisting of U.S. energy group Westinghouse and France's EDF, as possible partners for the state-backed entity.

Start-up Newcleo would likewise belong to the project to build SMRs, Reuters previously reported.

Speaking at the exact same occasion in Rome, Newcleo CEO Stefano Buono applauded the efforts of the Italian federal government and the International Atomic Energy Company (IAEA) to advance technology.

Small, clean, safe, fourth-generation reactors that recycle waste represent the bridge innovation to lead the energy mix towards combination, Buono said.

(source: Reuters)