Europe’s nuclear race is heating up. Edison, EDF and its subsidiary Nuward, which focuses on developing and commercializing small modular reactor (SMR) technology, are planning a fleet of 10 modular mini-reactors to be built across Europe in a project worth ten of billions of euros. Construction is expected to begin in 2030, with the first plant in Italy expected to be operational by 2035.

The three companies have joined forces to establish a dedicated European supply chain, drawing on Italy’s industrial expertise. The new European-built mini-reactors are intended primarily for the European market, particularly Italy and France, with the potential to expand into global markets at a later stage.

How the Project Came About

A brief step back: In June 2026, during the Franco-Italian Economic Forum and the Antibes Summit, held as part of efforts to renew the Quirinal Treaty, EDF, Nuward, Edison and several Italian companies — including Aipe, Atb Riva Calzoni, Saipem, Simic, Tectubi Raccordi, Walter Tosto and Webuild — signed a declaration of interest in participating in the development of Nuward’s SMR technology and its deployment in Italy, France and the rest of Europe.

That commitment is now moving into the operational phase, with industrial partners set to be involved from the design stage. Alongside renewable energy, Nuward’s mini-reactors are expected to contribute to Italy’s and Europe’s energy-transition goals, strengthening energy security, independence and competitiveness.

The project is built around an equal partnership between France and Italy, with the possibility of bringing in other EU countries.

“The Timing Is Right”

“The timing is right to explain where Nuward’s nuclear technology stands, which EDF has been developing for some time,” says Nicola Monti, CEO of Edison. “In recent years, the issue of diversifying energy sources has returned to the forefront, and nuclear power fits into that strategy as well as efforts to decarbonize the economy.”

He adds: “At Edison, we are heavily committed to developing renewable energy sources. Renewables currently account for 50% of our generation, and that share could rise to 80%, but the system also needs a dispatchable source of energy. This is where nuclear power comes into the picture in Italy. Since the current government took office, we have been considering a path toward nuclear energy. And we are fortunate to be part of a group that has developed small modular reactor technology, or SMRs.”

The technology meets the requirements of Italy’s nuclear energy program in terms of development timelines, technological safety and complementarity with renewable power generation.

The reactor unveiled by the companies is a small modular unit with an electrical output of 400 megawatts, based on pressurized-water technology and an advanced third-generation design. It can generate both electricity and heat.

Rome’s Role

The technology could also be deployed in industrial districts, chemical hubs, port areas, district heating networks and large data centers.

According to Edison, a plant in Italy could generate enough electricity to meet the needs of more than one million households, while also supplying low-emission heat to replace some of the natural gas currently used by industry.

The core of the initiative, however, is the construction of the first 10 plants, with work scheduled to begin in 2030. The goal is to establish a supply chain capable of replicating the technology on an industrial scale across Europe.

For now, the initiative is focused on France, where the first plant is under evaluation, as well as Italy, Poland, Belgium and Finland. The approach relies on a combination of public and private investment.

Operations and Management

Italy could contribute to building the first modular mini-reactor in another country, then draw on the experience gained to develop a second plant at home. The goal is to have the Italian reactor up and running by 2035, with Edison serving as operator.

“The company is ready to act as an investor, operator and consortium builder alongside other energy companies and energy-intensive industrial players. We also have an integrated presence across the entire energy value chain, from generation to energy management and sales to end customers.”