On 18 February 2025, Prof. Marco Ricotti, lecturer in Nuclear Plants at the Department of Energy of Politecnico di Milano and president of the CIRTEN Consortium, took part in the conference “The new sustainable nuclear power: an opportunity for Italy?”, held in the Sala della Lupa at the Chamber of Deputies. The event, promoted by MP Riccardo Zucconi in collaboration with the Fratelli d’Italia Group in Montecitorio, brought together experts, institutional representatives and companies in the sector to discuss the role of nuclear power in the country’s energy future.

During his speech, Prof. Ricotti emphasised that Italy and Europe face a crucial challenge: combining decarbonisation, energy cost stability and energy sovereignty.

Italy’s eventual return to nuclear power would make it possible to pursue these three goals simultaneously, reducing import dependency and strengthening national energy security,

said the lecturer.

The debate highlighted the prospects offered by advanced nuclear technologies, from next-generation fission with Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and advanced reactors (AMRs) to nuclear fusion. Ricotti emphasised the need for a strategic commitment from Europe and the West, stressing the risk of losing leadership in a sector increasingly dominated by Chinese and Russian technologies.

If we want to ensure a safe, decarbonised and independent energy transition, we must accelerate both technological development and political choices,

he said.

The meeting was attended by leading figures in the industry, including representatives from Eni, Enel, Ansaldo Nucleare, Newcleo and Sogin, who reiterated the importance of research and development in sustainable nuclear power. The discussion also highlighted the regulatory challenges and infrastructural obstacles to be overcome in order to promote the relaunch of nuclear energy in Italy.