Edison aims to deploy Italy's first SMR by 2035 as part of a large-scale European nuclear expansion
Executive summary: Edison plans to install the first small modular reactor in Italy by 2035, contributing to a ten-reactor European program. This represents a significant shift in Italy's energy landscape and a massive capital investment in nuclear technology.
Who is involved: Edison, European regulatory bodies.
Likely next: Updates on regulatory shifts regarding nuclear energy in Italy and Europe.
Edison has announced its intention to build Italy’s first small modular reactor (SMR) with a target date of 2035, positioning the project within a broader European push to expand nuclear capacity. The utility says the initiative will proceed only as the existing regulatory framework for nuclear energy evolves, and it cites a projected electricity cost of “100 euro al megawattora” as part of its economic outlook. The move would add a low‑carbon baseload option to Italy’s generation mix, potentially reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels and helping the country meet its climate commitments. However, realizing the plan hinges on securing licensing approvals, addressing public concerns, and adapting the grid to accommodate the new units. Such a project would also signal to investors that nuclear technology is regaining traction in Italy’s energy policy, potentially influencing future capital allocation toward low‑carbon infrastructure. In the near term, Edison is likely to conduct feasibility studies, engage with national and EU regulators, and explore partnerships that could shape the licensing pathway and timeline for the SMR deployment.
What's next — scenarios
Base: Regulatory approval for SMRs achieved (50%)
Acceleration of nuclear investment and infrastructure projects across Italy and Europe.
- Legislative changes in Italy regarding nuclear permits
Upside: Rapid deployment due to energy security needs (30%)
Earlier deployment dates and increased capital allocation from utility giants.
- High volatility in fossil fuel prices
Downside: Regulatory delays and legal hurdles (20%)
Extended timelines beyond 2035 and reduced investor confidence in SMR projects.
- Court rulings against nuclear expansion
What to watch
- Regulatory updates on nuclear energy laws in Italy
- Edison's official project milestones and partnership announcements
Timeline
- — Nucleare, Edison punta al primo mini-reattore in Italia nel 2035 (Il Sole 24 Ore — Economia)
- — Un reattore nucleare in Italia entro il 2035, il piano di Edf: “Energia a 100 euro al megawattora” (la Repubblica — Economia)
Analysis — what this means
Sectors affected
- Nuclear energy technology
- Utility companies
- Heavy construction
- Energy regulation
Regulatory implications
- New regulatory framework required for SMR implementation in Italy
Historical parallels
- Edf's Nuward plan for energy at 100 euro per megawatt-hour (2026)
Key entities
Sources
- Nucleare, Edison punta al primo mini-reattore in Italia nel 2035 — Il Sole 24 Ore — Economia
- Un reattore nucleare in Italia entro il 2035, il piano di Edf: “Energia a 100 euro al megawattora” — la Repubblica — Economia
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