Prime Minister Meloni outlined Italy’s commitment to nuclear fusion at COP29, advocating for a comprehensive energy mix that leverages all technologies. While nuclear fusion remains a long-term target, she highlighted the interim importance of fourth-generation fission reactors
Meloni champions Fusion. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni emphasised Italy’s commitment to advancing nuclear fusion during her speech on Wednesday at the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Baku, Azerbaijan.
- Meloni stressed the need for a balanced energy mix to support the transition process, stating that all available technologies should be utilised.
- She highlighted the importance of renewable energy sources but also underscored the role of gas, biofuels, hydrogen, CO2 capture, and eventually nuclear fusion, which could provide clean, safe, and limitless energy.
- Meloni noted Italy’s leadership in nuclear fusion, mentioning the hosting of the first World Fusion Energy Group meeting during their G7 Presidency, with support from the International Atomic Energy Agency.
- This initiative, according to Meloni, aims to transform energy from a geopolitical weapon into a universally accessible resource.
Italian-led ITER project. The International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), led by Italian engineer Pietro Barabaschi, stands as the most significant global initiative for nuclear fusion research.
- Additionally, the Italian energy giant Eni collaborates with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to accelerate the development of commercial-grade nuclear fusion technology.
- Despite Italy’s active participation and investment, nuclear fusion remains a long-term objective.
- Experts highlight that fusion technology is still in the research phase and may not reach commercial feasibility for decades.
- Even under the most optimistic scenarios, fusion-based energy production is projected to become viable only by 2070.
Intermediate solutions. Last week, Meloni underscored the importance of intermediate steps, stating that fourth-generation fission reactors should not be disregarded in the pursuit of fusion.
- Environment Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin has pledged to introduce a legislative framework to Parliament by the end of the year to facilitate nuclear energy production in Italy.
- The government plans to create a new entity involving Enel, Ansaldo, Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP), and Leonardo to develop nuclear reactors.
- This plan aligns with the National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan (PNIEC), which aims for nuclear energy to be part of Italy’s energy mix by 2035 and to cover 11% of the nation’s energy needs by 2050.
