The Italian government is preparing to make its first significant investment in new nuclear energy technology. According to reports from the ANSA news agency, the government plans to invest approximately 200 million euros in Newcleo, an Italian company specializing in advanced nuclear reactor design.

The investment strategy emerged from a meeting between Environment Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin and Minister of Business and Made in Italy Adolfo Urso. Though still unofficial, government statements mentioned Newcleo specifically and pointed toward this direction.

Giorgia Meloni's government has been actively working to bring nuclear power back to Italy. Following the meeting, ministers released an optimistic statement: "The government intends to concretely support the strengthening of the national industrial supply chain dedicated to innovative nuclear energy, recognizing its fundamental importance for energy security, environmental sustainability and technological competitiveness."

The Italian initiative parallels other global clean energy developments. Scientists recently discovered 18 million tons of lithium beneath California's Salton Sea, enough to power batteries for 382 million electric vehicles. This $540 billion "white gold" deposit could make the US self-sufficient in lithium production, reducing dependence on imports from China, Australia, and South America.

Until now, the government's nuclear efforts have been primarily regulatory. New legislation has created a framework to attract investment in next-generation nuclear technology, aiming to "leverage existing expertise and create new industrial and employment opportunities for the Italian production system."

The ministers confirmed their "full agreement on the government's strategic interest in Italy actively participating in developing innovative technologies in the sector, with particular attention to projects promoted by Newcleo, an Italian leader in designing advanced third-generation and fourth-generation reactors."

Newcleo, led by nuclear physicist and entrepreneur Stefano Buono, currently focuses on reactor maintenance and design. The company doesn't plan to produce its own nuclear reactor until 2031. The government's reported plan would involve a state-owned company taking approximately a 27% stake in Newcleo.

The government's nuclear strategy centers on:

• Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)
• Advanced reactor designs not yet commercially available
• Future technologies rather than current commercial nuclear options

These small reactors, one of Newcleo's specialties, are much smaller than traditional ones and can be transported fully assembled by truck. Though individually low-powered, they can be combined to increase energy production.