(Finance) – The prospects, employment impacts and investments regarding energy and industrial policies in our country. These are the themes at the center of the event “Nuclear in Italy in the energy transition: sustainability and independence”, organized today by the UGL Chimici in the Senate.
The “Electricity 2024” report by the International Energy Agency (IEA) offers a perspective on the dynamics of the global electricity market, predicting a notable shift towards low-CO2 energy sources by 2025. A increase in demand for electricity in the coming years, with an average annual growth rate of 3.4% until 2026. This increase will be increasingly met by renewable and nuclear energy, although coal will maintain a significant presence in some developing regions. By 2025, global nuclear generation is expected to surpass the previous record set in 2021. Although some countries are gradually abandoning or retiring nuclear plants, the Nuclear generation is expected to grow by about 3% per year on average until 2026. This increase will be driven by the completion of maintenance work in France, the resumption of nuclear production in Japan and the start of commercial operations of new reactors in various markets, including China, India, Korea , United Arab Emirates and others.
The report indicates that by around 2026 the 50% of the electricity produced globally will come from low-carbon sources, a notable increase from the 40% recorded in 2023. Renewables are on track to overtake coal and generate a third of total electricity generation by early 2025. Many countries are recognizing nuclear energy as an essential part of their energy strategies to ensure energy security and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. At the COP28 climate change conference, More than 20 states have signed a declaration to triple nuclear energy capacity by 2050. However, addressing construction and financing challenges in the nuclear sector remains an important goal.
In Italy, the issue of nuclear power has returned to attention. The Government has launched initiatives such as National platform for sustainable nuclear power by MASE it’s a’parliamentary fact-finding investigation on the role of nuclear energy in the energy transition. The objective is to evaluate theinclusion of nuclear power in the national energy mix to address the energy crisis and reduce dependence on imports. Among the important issues to be addressed: the cost of nuclear plants, construction times, authorization processes, explaining the safety and management of radioactive waste. Public opinion, especially the new generations, is called to participate in the informed debate on this important energy issue.
“This is an important technology that must be studied. The Government – he declared Vannia Gava, deputy minister of the environment and energy security – wants to include nuclear energy in the energy mix. We arrive at a critical phase where we found ourselves dependent almost exclusively on one source and one supplier. It is essential, therefore, to start a new phase and nuclear represents a clean source that is capable of giving security to the country in terms of energy and environmental supply. The Government, therefore, has invested funds and opened discussions with stakeholders, professionals and businesses to accompany this transition phase. We need to create culture and believe in our industry and in the potential of our country.”
“The debate on the energy transition – he said Luca Squeri, deputy, secretary of the X Comm. Att. Prod. and resp. Forza Italia Energy Dept – is particularly intense today. It is essential, in this context, to give dignity to other energy sources. If we really want to decarbonise the country, and we must do it by 2050, nuclear power is essential.”
“When we talk about nuclear energy – he said Nicola Procaccini, MEP, resp. dep. Environment and Energy by Fratelli d’Italia – I believe it is essential to focus on costs and time. It is essential, therefore, to invest in the technologies of the future and, at the same time, to work on public opinion, guaranteeing transparency and combating the so-called ‘nimby syndrome'”.
“The UGL wants to carry forward a vision that puts energy and infrastructure at the centre. The transition towards new energy sources – he noted Paolo Capone, general secretary of the UGL – is one of the challenges we are called to meet. This is a process that must be accompanied by adequate investments. Nuclear offers significant advantages in terms of continuous energy production and low greenhouse gas emissions, furthermore, it can help reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, while ensuring a stable and reliable energy supply.”
“UGL Chimici wants to contribute to the debate by creating the opportunity for a discussion that gives the opportunity to inform and form public opinion. The future of nuclear energy in Italy – declared Luigi Ulgiati, deputy general secretary of the UGL – it is fertile ground, where challenges and opportunities intertwine. With synergistic commitment and far-sighted vision, Italy can play a significant role in the transformation of the energy sector towards more sustainable, accessible and reliable solutions.”
“Nuclear is the cleanest energy source of all and the one that causes the fewest victims. When we talk about a nuclear power plant – he said Gian Luca Artizzu, CEO of Sogin Spa Group – it should be borne in mind that there is no accident in the world involving nuclear waste. The third generation of nuclear power and the management of this technology are very safe. Information and training of citizens are central aspects in which to invest.”
“It is necessary to provide important support to companies to join the innovation train that is starting in Europe. It is therefore a priority – he observed Marco Ricotti, Polytechnic of Milan, president of CIRTE – invest in the training of young people. In this context, our skills and our workers can make a fundamental contribution.”
“If we have to prepare the rules on the management of nuclear energy,” he specified Giuseppe Zollino, University of Padua, resp. Energy and Environment Action – we need to have a far-sighted and long-term vision by facing the opposition of those who are viscerally against it. Technological development continues today. It is therefore necessary to consider that our country needs energy to grow and generate employment.”
“Contemporary challenges – he noted Eliseo Fiorin, general secretary of UGL Chemicals-Textiles-Energy – lead us to address the topic of nuclear energy with renewed interest. The role of nuclear energy in the energy transition can be particularly significant. Historically, the cost of energy represents a crucial aspect for the competitiveness of businesses and the purchasing power of families. Nuclear energy could bring significant benefits by allowing our country to achieve complete autonomy.”
“Among the challenges of nuclear power – he underlined Elisabeth Rizzotti, COO, managing director Italy and co-founder Newcleo – there is certainly the management of the material issued by the power plants. There are technologies that allow such materials to be reused numerous times in the life of a reactor. By investing in innovation it is possible to create a circular economy. We need an energy mix and in this sense nuclear can optimize renewable energy.”