Italian Industry Optimistic About New Nuclear Tech, Estimating 20 Nuclear Plants by 2050
Executives from Italy's Nuclitalia and energy giant Eni highlighted the 'revolutionary' potential of nuclear fusion. Following its decision to restart nuclear energy, Italy aims to have 20 new-generation nuclear plants operational by 2050.
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- 📰 Published: April 21, 2026 at 19:18
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Executives from the Italian nuclear company Nuclitalia and energy giant Eni attended a forum yesterday, emphasizing that nuclear fusion technology will bring a 'revolutionary' new energy vision. Following Italy's restart of nuclear energy, the country is expected to have 20 new nuclear power plants by 2050.
After nearly 40 years of suspending nuclear power, Italy has decided to restart it, with plans to finalize the restart program by the end of 2027 and introduce new types of nuclear power plants by 2030.
The Italian media outlet 'Il Giornale' held a related forum yesterday in Milan. Speakers included Luca Mastrana, CEO of Nuclitalia; Francesca Ferrazza, head of magnetic fusion at Eni; and Paolo Sammartino, a member of the fusion technology company General Fusion.
The report pointed out that fusion power differs from traditional nuclear fission. While fission produces large amounts of nuclear waste, fusion combines light nuclei under extreme temperature and pressure, offering clean, safe, and inexhaustible energy. Although the research process is complex, the 'gap between theory and reality is narrowing.'
Ferrazza stated at the forum, 'Fusion technology has the potential to revolutionize the global energy transition, assisting in the decarbonization process and providing more sustainable energy.' Eni recognizes the strategic value of fusion and is committed to promoting its industrialization.
Sammartino noted that General Fusion's technology focuses on smaller systems rather than large centers. The company has already created a 'prototype' system and expects fusion machines to connect to the grid for power between 2035 and 2040.
Nuclitalia was jointly funded in 2025 by Enel, Ansaldo Energia, and Leonardo. CEO Mastrana admitted that while the decision to restart nuclear energy has caused discussion, Italy has the second-highest density of nuclear industry firms in Europe, making it well-positioned to lead this transition.
After nearly 40 years of suspending nuclear power, Italy has decided to restart it, with plans to finalize the restart program by the end of 2027 and introduce new types of nuclear power plants by 2030.
The Italian media outlet 'Il Giornale' held a related forum yesterday in Milan. Speakers included Luca Mastrana, CEO of Nuclitalia; Francesca Ferrazza, head of magnetic fusion at Eni; and Paolo Sammartino, a member of the fusion technology company General Fusion.
The report pointed out that fusion power differs from traditional nuclear fission. While fission produces large amounts of nuclear waste, fusion combines light nuclei under extreme temperature and pressure, offering clean, safe, and inexhaustible energy. Although the research process is complex, the 'gap between theory and reality is narrowing.'
Ferrazza stated at the forum, 'Fusion technology has the potential to revolutionize the global energy transition, assisting in the decarbonization process and providing more sustainable energy.' Eni recognizes the strategic value of fusion and is committed to promoting its industrialization.
Sammartino noted that General Fusion's technology focuses on smaller systems rather than large centers. The company has already created a 'prototype' system and expects fusion machines to connect to the grid for power between 2035 and 2040.
Nuclitalia was jointly funded in 2025 by Enel, Ansaldo Energia, and Leonardo. CEO Mastrana admitted that while the decision to restart nuclear energy has caused discussion, Italy has the second-highest density of nuclear industry firms in Europe, making it well-positioned to lead this transition.